The Committee on Independent Institutions of Parliament has endorsed a constitutional amendment bill that would unify presidential and parliamentary elections and redefine the length of the legislative term. Introduced on behalf of the administration, the measure represents a significant restructuring of the country’s electoral framework.
The committee’s deliberations included consultations with the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), the Attorney General, and representatives of political parties. A majority of these stakeholders expressed support for the legislation, reflecting broad agreement on the need for reform.
The bill requires that elections for Parliamentarians and the President be conducted simultaneously. It also establishes a revised calculation for the parliamentary term, stipulating that future legislative elections will coincide with the presidential election held under Article 110 of the Constitution.
Under the new framework, the parliamentary term will span five years, beginning on 1 December. The assembly will dissolve upon the expiration of this tenure, and the inaugural sitting of the newly elected parliament must convene on the same date.
The legislation specifies that the ongoing 20th Parliament will conclude its term on 1 December 2028. This adjustment shortens its tenure, which under existing constitutional provisions was scheduled to end in 2029. As a result, the next parliamentary election and the first sitting of the new assembly must take place by the revised date.
The bill was introduced by Ibrahim Falah, Parliamentarian for Inguraidhoo, and passed by a majority of members present at the committee meeting. The administration has argued that synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections responds to a long-standing public demand. Officials contend that holding both elections concurrently will not only increase voter turnout but also reduce the financial costs associated with conducting separate polls.