Parliament Passes Bill to Merge Elections Amid Opposition Boycott

Parliament passed a government-backed bill to amend the Constitution and hold parliamentary and presidential elections on the same day. The ruling People's National Congress (PNC)-controlled parliament approved the legislation with 72 votes in favour and one against. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) boycotted the vote after four of its members were expelled. The bill requires a public referendum. If adopted, the current parliament's term would end on 1 December 2028. The government plans to fast-track the referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Elections Commission can organise the vote if it receives a formal request before 18 February.

Parliament passed a government-backed bill to amend the Constitution and hold parliamentary and presidential elections on the same day. The ruling People's National Congress (PNC)-controlled parliament approved the legislation with 72 votes in favour and one against. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) boycotted the vote after four of its members were expelled. The bill requires a public referendum. If adopted, the current parliament's term would end on 1 December 2028. The government plans to fast-track the referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Elections Commission can organise the vote if it receives a formal request before 18 February.

Parliament passed a government-backed bill to amend the Constitution and hold parliamentary and presidential elections on the same day. The ruling People's National Congress (PNC)-controlled parliament approved the legislation with 72 votes in favour and one against. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) boycotted the vote after four of its members were expelled. The bill requires a public referendum. If adopted, the current parliament's term would end on 1 December 2028. The government plans to fast-track the referendum alongside local council elections in April. The Elections Commission can organise the vote if it receives a formal request before 18 February.

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