Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that conducting presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously would bring positive changes to the Maldives’ system of governance.

Responding to criticism from the opposition over proposals to combine the two elections, the minister said holding major elections concurrently is a common practice in several developed democracies. He said the move should be viewed in the context of strengthening governance structures and supporting long-term political stability.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to hold a public referendum on the proposed Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to allow presidential and parliamentary elections to be conducted at the same time, alongside changes to the commencement of the People’s Majlis term.

The People’s Majlis passed the constitutional amendment on 10 February 2026 during the second sitting of its first session for the year. The bill, submitted on behalf of the Government by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, was approved with the support of 72 members.

Under the Constitution and the Public Referendum Act, the amendment must be approved through a public referendum before it can be ratified by the President. The referendum will ask voters whether they approve the ratification of the Eighth Amendment to allow the two national elections to be held concurrently and to amend provisions related to the term of the People’s Majlis.

The Elections Commission has been tasked with making the necessary arrangements for the referendum. The commission has announced that the referendum will be held on 4 April 2026, alongside the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections, noting that conducting the vote together would significantly reduce operational costs.