Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thariq has stated that the public referendum scheduled for 4 April on the proposed constitutional amendment is not linked to the 2028 presidential election.

Speaking at the PNC Dhiveheenge Raajje Taraweeh, MP Thariq said the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution was passed by the People’s Majlis to establish the legal framework required to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. He noted that, in accordance with constitutional provisions, the amendment must be submitted to a public referendum prior to ratification.

MP Thariq stressed that the referendum concerns adjustments to the parliamentary term rather than the presidential election. He explained that the proposed change would result in a six-month reduction in the current term of the People’s Majlis in order to align future parliamentary elections with presidential polls.

He further stated that matters relating to the term of the parliament, the election of the President and the structure of the executive cannot be altered solely by parliamentary vote, and must instead be decided through a public referendum. According to MP Thariq, this safeguard was embedded in the Constitution to prevent any unilateral extension of parliamentary tenure.

Describing the issue as one of national importance, MP Thariq said the question of whether the two elections should be held concurrently should be determined by the people. He called on political parties to set aside differences and approach the matter with a broader national perspective.