Muizzu Seeks Powers to Call Referendums, Electoral System Overhaul

The Maldives government submitted a bill to Parliament to establish a legal framework for national referendums, part of President Mohamed Muizzu's push to amend the Constitution and overhaul the electoral system. The bill, introduced by PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falaah, allows referendums on major national and constitutional issues, including fundamental rights, presidential powers, term length, and election processes. It gives the president authority to call a referendum by decree on matters of national importance. The bill requires the Elections Commission to organize a vote within 45 to 90 days. This follows Muizzu's announcement in his presidential address. Muizzu also proposed a preferential voting system for presidential elections, moving the swearing-in date to 11 November (Republic Day), and holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. No bill has yet been submitted for the latter.

The Maldives government submitted a bill to Parliament to establish a legal framework for national referendums, part of President Mohamed Muizzu's push to amend the Constitution and overhaul the electoral system. The bill, introduced by PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falaah, allows referendums on major national and constitutional issues, including fundamental rights, presidential powers, term length, and election processes. It gives the president authority to call a referendum by decree on matters of national importance. The bill requires the Elections Commission to organize a vote within 45 to 90 days. This follows Muizzu's announcement in his presidential address. Muizzu also proposed a preferential voting system for presidential elections, moving the swearing-in date to 11 November (Republic Day), and holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. No bill has yet been submitted for the latter.

The Maldives government submitted a bill to Parliament to establish a legal framework for national referendums, part of President Mohamed Muizzu's push to amend the Constitution and overhaul the electoral system. The bill, introduced by PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falaah, allows referendums on major national and constitutional issues, including fundamental rights, presidential powers, term length, and election processes. It gives the president authority to call a referendum by decree on matters of national importance. The bill requires the Elections Commission to organize a vote within 45 to 90 days. This follows Muizzu's announcement in his presidential address. Muizzu also proposed a preferential voting system for presidential elections, moving the swearing-in date to 11 November (Republic Day), and holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. No bill has yet been submitted for the latter.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of muizzu powers / referendum bill.