Parliament Passes Election Bill for Second Time, Sends It for Ratification

Parliament passed the Amendment Bill to the Elections (General) Act for the second time and sent it to President Mohamed Muizzu for ratification. The bill proposes to reschedule the parliamentary vote to after Ramadan. Initially sent to the president on 12 February, he declined assent on 26 February, returning it to Parliament for reconsideration. This sparked a war of words between the government and the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The Elections Commission (EC) scheduled the vote for 17 March, during Ramadan. MDP argues that conducting political activities during Ramadan poses challenges. The bill was re-passed with 47 votes in favour and 14 against. According to the Constitution, the president must ratify it. President Muizzu, on a tour of Noonu Atoll, stated he would act constitutionally. If signed, the earliest election date is 20 April. MDP warns they may initiate measures against EC members if the president refuses.

Parliament passed the Amendment Bill to the Elections (General) Act for the second time and sent it to President Mohamed Muizzu for ratification. The bill proposes to reschedule the parliamentary vote to after Ramadan. Initially sent to the president on 12 February, he declined assent on 26 February, returning it to Parliament for reconsideration. This sparked a war of words between the government and the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The Elections Commission (EC) scheduled the vote for 17 March, during Ramadan. MDP argues that conducting political activities during Ramadan poses challenges. The bill was re-passed with 47 votes in favour and 14 against. According to the Constitution, the president must ratify it. President Muizzu, on a tour of Noonu Atoll, stated he would act constitutionally. If signed, the earliest election date is 20 April. MDP warns they may initiate measures against EC members if the president refuses.

Parliament passed the Amendment Bill to the Elections (General) Act for the second time and sent it to President Mohamed Muizzu for ratification. The bill proposes to reschedule the parliamentary vote to after Ramadan. Initially sent to the president on 12 February, he declined assent on 26 February, returning it to Parliament for reconsideration. This sparked a war of words between the government and the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The Elections Commission (EC) scheduled the vote for 17 March, during Ramadan. MDP argues that conducting political activities during Ramadan poses challenges. The bill was re-passed with 47 votes in favour and 14 against. According to the Constitution, the president must ratify it. President Muizzu, on a tour of Noonu Atoll, stated he would act constitutionally. If signed, the earliest election date is 20 April. MDP warns they may initiate measures against EC members if the president refuses.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of election bill / ratification.