The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has submitted questions to the Parliament of the Maldives regarding the resolution to hold a referendum on changing the system of government. The questions were submitted after the Parliament submitted the resolution to ECM.
Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said that the commission is seeking answers on some matters related to the resolution before seeking legal recommendations prior to making a decision.
Member of The Democrats Ilyas Labeeb proposed the resolution to hold a referendum on changing the system of government before the second round of the presidential election on September 30. The resolution passed with 35 of the 37 parliamentarians present in favour, following its approval by the Committee of the Whole House.
However, Habeeb earlier 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. He 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.
Additionally, Habeeb said 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, adding that approximately USD2.6 million will be required to hold such an election under current arrangements.
The Constitution of Maldives specifies that the system of government in the country is to be determined by a referendum. In 2007, the people's decision was in favour of adopting a presidential system for the country.