The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has opened re-registration for voters wishing to cast ballots in the upcoming public referendum on the proposed 8th Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to merge Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
The referendum will be held alongside the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections scheduled for 4 April.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has resolved to submit the constitutional amendment to a public vote prior to ratification. The proposed amendment concerns holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections concurrently.
The ECM announced that registered voters may now apply to vote at a location other than their designated polling station. The re-registration period is open from 10:00 a.m. of 18 February until 3:00 p.m. of 22 February.
Applications may be submitted online via re-registration portal (form.elections.gov.mv) or via My Portal (my.elections.gov.mv).
Applicants using the Re-Registration Portal must upload a copy of an official voter identification document and a live photograph. However, those applying through My Portal using a verified eFaas account are not required to upload a photograph or ID copy.
The referendum is being conducted pursuant to Article 262(b) of the Constitution and the General Referendum Act.
Under Article 262(b), if the Parliament passes a bill to amend the Constitution, the President must submit it to a referendum. The amendment will be ratified if approved by a majority of valid votes cast.
In accordance with Article 31 of the General Referendum Act, if the amendment secures majority approval, the President must ratify and publish it in the Government Gazette within 15 days of the official announcement of results. If the amendment fails to secure majority support, the bill will be deemed invalid.
The ECM further stated that the opportunity to submit complaints related to the referendum process has also been opened.
Official results of the referendum are scheduled to be announced on 11 April.