President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally proposed the introduction of a preferential voting system in the Maldives.

The proposal, shared through the President’s official WhatsApp channel on April 20, confirmed that preferential voting is the model he supports for future presidential elections. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference, allowing for a single decisive round without the need for a runoff if no candidate secures an outright majority.

The proposal follows the President’s earlier remarks during Republic Day celebrations, where he indicated plans to consult the public on the possibility of abolishing the second round of presidential elections. The Attorney General’s Office is currently reviewing the legal framework to determine how such a system could be implemented.

The suggestion has triggered renewed public discourse, with members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) promoting the concept on social media under the hashtag #PreferentialVoting. Proponents argue that the shift would reduce election-related costs and improve efficiency by eliminating the need for two rounds of voting.

Preferential voting systems are already in use in countries such as Australia and Ireland, as well as in select elections in the United Kingdom and United States. These systems are widely regarded for promoting broader voter representation and enabling more decisive outcomes in closely contested races.

While no formal decision has been taken, the President’s proposal is being positioned as part of a wider strategy to modernise electoral processes. The Elections Commission of the Maldives has previously acknowledged the logistical and financial challenges associated with two-round elections, further fuelling calls for reform.

In addition to the proposed voting system change, President Dr Muizzu has also advocated for synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections as a means to reduce costs and improve governance alignment.