EC Seeks Clarification from Parliament Ahead of Referendum on Governance System

The Elections Commission (EC) formally appealed to parliament for clarifications on a proposed constitutional referendum to decide the country's governance system. Parliament passed a resolution requesting a referendum before 30 October. EC Vice Chairperson Ismail Habeeb announced the need for legal clarification, citing obligations like voter re-registration and complaint handling. The resolution was submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, with an amended deadline of 30 October. It passed unanimously with 35 MPs, including some from MDP. President Solih believes a referendum requires a three-fourth majority vote, but Article 70 of the constitution grants parliament authority. The General Elections Act requires 30-45 days for election organization, complicating the tight schedule alongside a presidential runoff.

The Elections Commission (EC) formally appealed to parliament for clarifications on a proposed constitutional referendum to decide the country's governance system. Parliament passed a resolution requesting a referendum before 30 October. EC Vice Chairperson Ismail Habeeb announced the need for legal clarification, citing obligations like voter re-registration and complaint handling. The resolution was submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, with an amended deadline of 30 October. It passed unanimously with 35 MPs, including some from MDP. President Solih believes a referendum requires a three-fourth majority vote, but Article 70 of the constitution grants parliament authority. The General Elections Act requires 30-45 days for election organization, complicating the tight schedule alongside a presidential runoff.

The Elections Commission (EC) formally appealed to parliament for clarifications on a proposed constitutional referendum to decide the country's governance system. Parliament passed a resolution requesting a referendum before 30 October. EC Vice Chairperson Ismail Habeeb announced the need for legal clarification, citing obligations like voter re-registration and complaint handling. The resolution was submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb of The Democrats, with an amended deadline of 30 October. It passed unanimously with 35 MPs, including some from MDP. President Solih believes a referendum requires a three-fourth majority vote, but Article 70 of the constitution grants parliament authority. The General Elections Act requires 30-45 days for election organization, complicating the tight schedule alongside a presidential runoff.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of elections commission / parliament.