President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has affirmed the referendum to change governance will proceed as planned, irrespective of the presidential election's outcome. The president made the remark in response to a query from the media following his meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed.
After several days, President Solih convened with Speaker Nasheed at the President's Office. Reflecting on their discussions, President Solih noted that they deliberated on the political landscape in Maldives. A pivotal topic of their conversation revolved around the resolution passed by the Parliament concerning the referendum to change governance.
Additionally, the president revealed discussions also focused on requesting the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) for the referendum to change governance after the second round of elections. He also broached the possibility of garnering Speaker Nasheed's support in the second round of the election, though he did not reveal further details. He also said that he agreed to facilitate the necessary arrangements to hold the referendum no matter the outcome of the election. Nasheed's party, The Democrats, earlier announced its intention not to support any candidate for the election.
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.
Moreover, ECM has stated that it is prepared to hold a referendum on changing the system of government but is clearing up issues with the Parliament related to the exact question to put on the ballot. The commission is also seeking solutions to other issues such as the need to formulate a voters' registry and approve a budget to hold the referendum.