MDP says election amendment aims to extend PNC rule
Five MDP members were removed from the sitting after protests during debate on the committee report.
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The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group said on Tuesday that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) is attempting to extend its time in office by amending laws without seeking public consent.
The statement followed the passage of a government bill to shorten the term of the current Parliament and hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date. The bill was passed without amendments on Tuesday with 72 votes from PNC members.
Five MDP members were removed from the sitting after protests during debate on the committee report. The remaining MDP members did not take part in the vote.
After their removal, the MDP parliamentary group held a press conference outside Parliament, stating that the PNC does not engage with public opinion. They said that reducing the frequency of elections limits public participation and affects governance.
MDP interim chair and Hanimaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa said the move marked the start of actions that undermine democratic practices. He said MDP members would not cooperate with such measures.
Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem said the bill was introduced while Parliament was in recess, raising concerns about its intent. He said the committee stage allowed limited time for consultation with political parties.
Meekail said the Elections Commission had informed the committee that it had begun training staff for the process before the bill was introduced. He said this indicated prior coordination, referring to a meeting between the EC chair and President Mohamed Muizzu.
He said the amendment was presented as a cost-saving measure but questioned this rationale, citing continued appointments to salaried political positions. He asked whether such practices reduce state expenditure.
MDP parliamentary group leader and Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil said the government is using its parliamentary majority to change laws without public input. He said the party would campaign for a “no” vote in the proposed referendum, stating that public participation is the only means to address the issue.
Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said the amendment aims to delay the next presidential election after reducing the parliamentary term.
