Shahid warns of presidential term extension after council referendum

Abdulla Shahid on Thursday accused the government of using the proposed referendum on shortening the current parliamentary term as a political strategy ahead of local council elections.

Parliament has amended the Constitution to align presidential and parliamentary elections and to shorten the term of the current Parliament to December 2028. Under the Constitution, any change to the duration of Parliament requires approval through a public referendum.

The government is considering holding the referendum on 4 April alongside local council elections.

Speaking at the launch of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party campaign at Artificial Beach, Shahid said the referendum was intended to benefit the government.

He alleged that the move to shorten the parliamentary term could be followed by efforts to extend the presidential term. Shahid said the government may seek further constitutional changes in the future.

“This year they are asking to shorten the term. Next year they may ask to extend it,” he said, adding that such steps could affect the holding of future presidential elections.

Shahid said that if constitutional changes continue, the country’s democratic process could be undermined.

The government has not publicly responded to Shahid’s remarks.