President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday revealed plans to move the necessary legislation next month on holding a public referendum to revise the electoral process in holding the presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently.
Speaking during the sixth episode of the ‘Rayyithunnaa Eku’ podcast, the President emphasised that genuine public empowerment can only be achieved when the authority to remove elected officials from office rests with the people themselves.
He stressed that there is no need to replicate the systems of other countries, instead, the Maldives can strengthen democratic power in a manner that boosts public confidence.
President Dr Muizzu pointed out that only a six month period divides the presidential and parliamentary elections, highlighting the potential benefits of holding the two main elections concurrently, particularly for a country like the Maldives.
The President also expressed support for the introduction of a preferential voting system for presidential elections. He stated that this reform could eliminate the need for a second round of voting, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
However, he added that the implementation of such a system would follow thorough research and public consultation. According to the President, this change would encourage greater citizen participation and enhance the likelihood of electing a candidate with broad public support.
During the podcast, the President also shared his vision to limit the growth in the number of Members of Parliament. He pointed out that parliamentary seats are currently allocated based on population ratios and, while representation is essential in a democracy, it is equally important to maintain a practical and manageable Parliament. As such, he proposed a legal amendment to cap the number of MPs at the current figure of 93.
The President also discussed planned revisions to the eligibility criteria for candidates contesting elections to Councils and Women’s Development Committees. He stated that the Government intends to restructure Atoll Councils by setting a composition of three members for populations under 2,000, and five members for populations exceeding 2,000. Additionally, to ensure that funds allocated to councils are utilised effectively and in the best interests of local communities, the Ministry of Finance and Planning will be engaged to assess and monitor their use.
On all these matters, the President reiterated that public opinion will remain central to decision-making. He affirmed that no decision will be made unilaterally, and all major changes will be subject to public consultation and, where appropriate, referenda. He underscored the importance of inclusive governance in securing the long-term development of the nation.