Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that the proposed constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day will not alter the fundamental structure of the Constitution.

He made the remarks while speaking at a forum organised by the Bar Council to discuss the amendment from a legal perspective. The forum brought together legal experts to examine key questions surrounding the proposed eighth amendment to the Constitution.

A central issue raised during the discussion was whether synchronising the two elections would impact the Constitution’s basic framework. Responding to this, Usham explained that the basic structure primarily consists of provisions related to fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as the powers vested in the public to elect representatives to public office.

He emphasised that the proposed changes would not affect these core elements. According to Usham, the amendment does not diminish any fundamental rights or the authority of citizens to elect their leaders, noting that such powers would remain firmly with the people.

Usham further clarified that the amendment would only introduce changes to the electoral framework, specifically the manner in which elections are conducted, rather than altering foundational constitutional principles.

He noted that the changes brought by this amendment relate to the electoral system.

A public referendum on the proposed amendment is scheduled to be held next Friday.

The Bar Council stated that the purpose of the forum was to provide the public with objective information from constitutional and legal perspectives, rather than to advocate for any particular position.