Committee Clears Bill in Five Minutes to Merge Elections, Cut Parliament Term

The Standing Committee on Independent Institutions approved without amendments a bill to amend the Constitution to merge parliamentary and presidential elections and cut the current parliament's term by six months. Submitted by PNC leader Ibrahim Falah, the bill was cleared in five minutes. President Muizzu earlier said a referendum would follow parliamentary approval, but Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the referendum would be held after the bill passes. The government plans to fast-track a referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Election Commission stated it could arrange the referendum if a formal request is received before the 18th of the month.

The Standing Committee on Independent Institutions approved without amendments a bill to amend the Constitution to merge parliamentary and presidential elections and cut the current parliament's term by six months. Submitted by PNC leader Ibrahim Falah, the bill was cleared in five minutes. President Muizzu earlier said a referendum would follow parliamentary approval, but Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the referendum would be held after the bill passes. The government plans to fast-track a referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Election Commission stated it could arrange the referendum if a formal request is received before the 18th of the month.

The Standing Committee on Independent Institutions approved without amendments a bill to amend the Constitution to merge parliamentary and presidential elections and cut the current parliament's term by six months. Submitted by PNC leader Ibrahim Falah, the bill was cleared in five minutes. President Muizzu earlier said a referendum would follow parliamentary approval, but Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the referendum would be held after the bill passes. The government plans to fast-track a referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Election Commission stated it could arrange the referendum if a formal request is received before the 18th of the month.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of elections / constitutional-amendment.