President Muizzu’s Legislative Push Seeks to Align Elections and Strengthen Anti-Corruption Enforcement

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a far-reaching legislative agenda for the final session of the year, disclosing plans to submit 27 bills to Parliament. The package includes a constitutional amendment to synchronise national elections and a suite of six bills aimed at dismantling entrenched corruption.

Addressing residents of Mahibadhoo in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, President Muizzu stated that the legislative slate comprises 12 entirely new bills. He noted that the initiative builds upon substantial groundwork laid during the preceding session, with 18 bills currently under active parliamentary review.

Central to the proposed reforms is a constitutional amendment designed to align the timing of presidential and parliamentary elections. The president confirmed that the measure would require a national referendum.

“The core amendment we are introducing to the Constitution involves the reform to hold the parliamentary elections and the presidential election concurrently,” the president stated. “As this is a matter that requires a public referendum, a total of 27 bills will be submitted, which includes this constitutional amendment.”

The legislative programme also places significant emphasis on national development and the eradication of corruption. President Muizzu affirmed that six bills specifically targeting corruption would be submitted to Parliament.

“These reforms are being introduced to eliminate the existing obstacles within the current legal framework for resolving corruption issues, thereby ensuring this matter can be truly eradicated from the Maldivian system,” the president said. “This outcome cannot be achieved solely through legislative reform. These initiatives require the complete cooperation of all citizens.”

The anti-corruption package includes amendments to several key statutes and the introduction of a new law. Specifically, the bills comprise amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act, the Criminal Procedure Act, the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and the Penal Code, alongside a newly proposed Asset Recovery Bill.

President Muizzu expressed confidence that the reforms would strengthen institutional capacity across the legal system. The changes are expected to enhance the operational effectiveness of the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Maldives Police Service (MPS), and the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG) in addressing corruption-related cases.