A bill has been submitted to the People’s Majlis seeking to establish a dedicated legal framework for holding public referendums on key national matters, including those proposed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The bill was submitted by majority leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah. It outlines the conditions under which referendums may be held, as provided in the Constitution, and details the responsibilities of those initiating the vote. It also sets out the role of the Elections Commission (EC) in managing the process.

Under the proposed legislation, a public referendum can be held on matters of national importance and issues affecting the public, in addition to those explicitly requiring a referendum under the Constitution. This includes any changes to the fundamental rights and freedoms protected under Chapter II of the Constitution. Referendums would also be required for amendments affecting the President’s election process or the length of a parliamentary term.

A referendum must also be held if the President ratifies a constitutional amendment passed by the Majlis and informs the legislature, or on matters concerning the country’s territory.

The bill states that referendums can be initiated either by a decree passed by the majority of the Majlis or as decreed by the President when necessary. Once a resolution is passed, EC will oversee the vote, including setting the date, managing logistics, and counting the votes.

A referendum must be held within 45 to 90 days of the request. If the Commission is unable to conduct the vote on the proposed date, a new date must be set within the 90-day timeframe.

The move comes as President Dr Muizzu considers holding a referendum later this year to abolish the second round of presidential elections and introduce a preferential voting system. He has also proposed holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.

In October, the Government announced its decision to return the start of the presidential term to November 11, as it was previously, and to formally define the country’s territory in the Constitution.