President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Public Referendum Bill (Law No. 15/2025), a key piece of legislation that lays the legal foundation for holding public referendums on matters of national significance.
The bill was passed during the 5th Special Session of the People’s Majlis on 15 September 2025, convened outside of the regular parliamentary sitting. With the President’s ratification, the law has now been published in the Government Gazette and officially entered into force.
The Public Referendum Act empowers both the People’s Majlis and the President to initiate referendums to gauge public sentiment on critical national matters. Notably, the law stipulates that when Parliament amends specific provisions of the Constitution, a referendum must be held before such changes can be enacted.
In addition to outlining the conditions under which referendums may be held, the law:
Defines the responsibilities of those proposing a referendum.
Details the procedures to be followed by the Elections Commission in managing the vote.
Establishes legal protocols for public engagement and transparency.
The ratification of this bill reflects the Muizzu Administration’s emphasis on inclusive governance and enabling direct public participation in major national decisions. It also provides constitutional safeguards by ensuring that significant legal and policy changes can only proceed with a demonstrable mandate from the public.