Parliament Approves Referendum to Shift System of Governance

The Maldives Parliament approved a resolution for a public referendum to change the system of governance from presidential to parliamentary. Tabled by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, the resolution was supported by the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The initial deadline of November 30 was amended to October 30. The resolution passed unanimously with 35 votes, bypassing the President's authority under Article 70(b)(6) of the Constitution. President Solih believed a referendum required a three-fourth majority. The resolution allows Parliament to directly instruct the Elections Commission. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef expressed reservations. The decision comes amid speculation about The Democrats' role in the upcoming presidential runoff scheduled for September 30. Speaker Mohamed Nasheed remained unclear on coalition with MDP.

The Maldives Parliament approved a resolution for a public referendum to change the system of governance from presidential to parliamentary. Tabled by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, the resolution was supported by the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The initial deadline of November 30 was amended to October 30. The resolution passed unanimously with 35 votes, bypassing the President's authority under Article 70(b)(6) of the Constitution. President Solih believed a referendum required a three-fourth majority. The resolution allows Parliament to directly instruct the Elections Commission. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef expressed reservations. The decision comes amid speculation about The Democrats' role in the upcoming presidential runoff scheduled for September 30. Speaker Mohamed Nasheed remained unclear on coalition with MDP.

The Maldives Parliament approved a resolution for a public referendum to change the system of governance from presidential to parliamentary. Tabled by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, the resolution was supported by the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The initial deadline of November 30 was amended to October 30. The resolution passed unanimously with 35 votes, bypassing the President's authority under Article 70(b)(6) of the Constitution. President Solih believed a referendum required a three-fourth majority. The resolution allows Parliament to directly instruct the Elections Commission. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef expressed reservations. The decision comes amid speculation about The Democrats' role in the upcoming presidential runoff scheduled for September 30. Speaker Mohamed Nasheed remained unclear on coalition with MDP.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of referendum / politics.