The Parliament's Independent Institutions Committee has decided to seek the views of political parties, the Attorney General (AG), and the Election Commission (EC) on the proposed constitutional amendment bill to hold presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently.

The decision follows a motion submitted by MP Ibrahim Shujau (Baarashu constituency) and supported by MP Ali Ibrahim (West Henveiru constituency). Shujau emphasised the importance of consulting political parties, noting that the Maldives operates under a multi-party system. He also highlighted the EC’s legal responsibility for conducting elections and proposed separate meetings with the EC and AG to discuss the legal aspects of the amendment. He proposed that these meetings be scheduled for 2 February.

The amendment bill, sponsored by MP Ibrahim Falah (Inguraidhoo constituency) on behalf of the Government, proposes changes, including that parliamentary elections would be held at the same time as the presidential election, in line with Article 110 of the Constitution. The bill also revises how parliamentary terms are calculated, stipulating that Parliament’s five-year term will begin on 1 December, with dissolution occurring at the end of this period. The first sitting of a newly elected Parliament would also take place on 1 December following dissolution.

The legislation further specifies that the current 20th Parliament’s term will end on 1 December 2028, bringing elections forward by a year compared to the existing constitutional provision, which sets expiry in 2029.

Proposals to align presidential and parliamentary elections have been raised for several years, with supporters arguing that simultaneous elections would boost voter turnout and reduce costs.