Zariyand urges no vote on merger at 'lowest-participating' council poll

Ismail Zariyand, an independent candidate contesting the council elections, on Tuesday called on the public to vote against merging the presidential and parliamentary elections when the issue is put to a referendum during the council polls.

His remarks followed Parliament’s passage of a constitutional amendment to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date. The amendment now awaits ratification by President Mohamed Muizzu. If ratified, the change will be subject to a referendum, which is set to take place alongside the council elections.

In a statement shared on social media after the parliamentary vote, Zariyand said council elections attract fewer voters than other national polls in the Maldives. He argued that holding the referendum on the proposed merger at the same time would affect participation.

Zariyand alleged that the decision to align the referendum with the council elections was intended to extend President Muizzu’s time in office. He also claimed that the parliamentary process limited opportunities for members to speak on behalf of the public.

He further alleged that the government was using state funds and resources in a manner that could undermine the Maldives’ democratic and administrative system.

Zariyand said rejecting the amendment was necessary to prevent what he described as a move towards dictatorship. He urged the public to take part in the referendum and vote against the proposal during the council elections.