MDP files case against referendum on joint elections

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday filed a case at the Civil Court challenging the proposed referendum to shorten the current term of Parliament and hold parliamentary elections on the same date as the presidential election.

The party announced its decision to seek judicial review at a press conference held on Tuesday.

In its petition, the MDP is seeking a ruling that the decision by President Mohamed Muizzu to hold a referendum is unconstitutional. The party argues that the resolution issued by the President does not state the purpose of the referendum or provide reasons, as required by law.

The MDP has also requested an interim order to halt the referendum until the court reaches a decision on the case. The Civil Court has not yet decided whether to admit the petition.

The parliament has passed a constitutional amendment to shorten the five-year term of the 20th Parliament, setting its end date at 1 December 2028. Under the Constitution, any change to the term of Parliament requires approval by a majority of voters in a referendum.

As a result, the President issued a decree on 16 February to hold the referendum alongside the local council elections scheduled for 4 April.

If approved, the amendment would align the 2028 presidential election with the parliamentary election scheduled for 2029. The 20th Parliament commenced on 28 May 2024 and, under the current Constitution, is due to complete its five-year term in May 2029. Under the proposed amendment, parliamentary terms would begin on 1 December and run for five years, with the current Parliament set to be dissolved when its revised term expires on that date.