The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has stated that it bears the legal responsibility of ensuring public awareness and education, which necessitates a minimum timeframe of one month when conducting a referendum to change the governance system.
In a tweet, Vice President of ECM, Ismail Habeeb said that it would require a duration of at least 30-45 days if the vote to change the governance system is to be held across the Maldives. Habeeb underlined the importance of taking time to educate the public about the implications and consequences of such a significant change in the system. He stressed that voters must be well-informed about both the advantages and disadvantages of altering the current system. He added the job of ECM is to provide the populace with a clear understanding of the purpose and significance of the vote to change the system. He also mentioned that organising such a vote on short notice would now be unfeasible. He further said approximately USD2.6 million will be required to hold such an election under current arrangements.
The Democrats have put forward the proposal for a vote, aiming for it to take place before September 28. However, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has indicated that holding such a vote before the presidential election is currently not feasible. Nevertheless, he has suggested that a vote could potentially be conducted after the presidential election.
The Constitution of Maldives specifies that the system of government in the country is to be determined by a referendum of the people. In 2007, the people's decision was in favour of adopting a presidential system for the country.