Ibrahim Ismail says election synchronisation won't achieve objective

Ibrahim Ismail, who chaired the drafting committee of the Special Majlis that formulated the current Constitution, has stated that the proposed amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date will not achieve its intended outcome.

The amendment, which seeks to align the two elections by shortening the term of the current 20th Parliament to end on December 1, 2028, was passed by Parliament and sent for ratification on the 11th of last month. A public referendum is required before the amendment can be ratified.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has scheduled the referendum for the 4th of next month.

In a post on social media, Ibrahim Ismail said he would vote against the amendment and questioned whether the alignment of elections could be maintained.

“The answer is no,” he said, noting that while the parliamentary term is five years, the Constitution allows for an extension to six years under certain conditions.

He referred to Article 80 of the Constitution, which permits Parliament to extend its term for up to one year during a state of emergency if holding an election is not possible.

Ismail stated that if parliamentary elections are delayed under such provisions, the presidential election would still be held after five years, resulting in the two elections becoming misaligned.

He also raised concerns about frequent amendments to the Constitution without consideration of its framework and objectives.

Ismail said the current system should be maintained and implemented as intended. He added that the proposed amendment appears to pursue a short-term objective through transitional measures.

He warned that the change could affect rights guaranteed under the Constitution and called on the public to vote against the amendment.

“After reflection, I have decided not to vote for this amendment. I appeal to all citizens to vote against it,” he said.

Following the passage of the amendment, cases have been filed at the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the bill and halt the referendum.