‘Yes/no’ referendum format to enable electoral fraud, says Shahid
Shahid said the government’s proposed question, which asks voters whether they “approve or disapprove”, was problematic.
Top Stories
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) president Abdulla Shahid on Thursday criticised the government’s proposed referendum question on synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections, alleging that the wording could mislead voters.
Parliament recently passed a constitutional amendment to shorten the five-year term of the 20th People’s Majlis to end on 1 December 2028, with the aim of holding parliamentary and presidential elections on the same date. Under the Constitution, such a change requires approval through a public referendum.
As a result, a presidential decree issued on 16 March scheduled a referendum to be held alongside local council elections on 4 April.
Speaking to party members in Hulhudhoo during a visit to Addu to launch the MDP’s local council election campaign, Shahid said the government’s proposed question, which asks voters whether they “approve or disapprove”, was problematic.
“The question being asked is simply whether people approve or disapprove. MDP members do not need to deliberate over such a question,” Shahid said, adding that he believes the wording could be used to mislead voters.
Shahid also questioned the progress of development projects in Addu, including a previously announced underwater bridge. He said residents could not see work taking place on the project and questioned whether it would be delivered during the current administration’s term.
Referring to the referendum, Shahid said the proposal effectively asks voters to give up a separate parliamentary election. He questioned why citizens should agree to reduce opportunities for public consultation through elections.
Addressing the government’s claim that holding elections together would reduce costs, Shahid referred to an estimate by the Elections Commission that the savings could amount to MVR 50 million. He said savings could instead be achieved by reducing government expenditure, including ministries and political posts.
Shahid called for the abolition of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, which oversees local councils, saying its functions could be handled by councils themselves.
He urged voters to oppose the referendum proposal, calling on the public to vote against synchronising the elections.
