The National Council of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) passed a resolution last night to contest the constitutional amendment proposed in parliament that aims to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections.

During the MDP National Council meeting held yesterday, North Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem presented a motion concerning the unification of elections. Issues highlighted in the motion encompass:

While it is essential to gather public opinion on issues that concern the public, no such initiatives were undertaken prior to the proposed amendment to the Constitution being presented to parliament.

The hurried method of enacting the amendment, instead of permitting sufficient time for examination and debate, indicates dubious motives.

Holding the referendum on election merging at the same time as the Local Council Elections does not provide enough time for citizens to make an informed choice in the referendum.

Expressing these concerns, Meekail urged the MDP National Council to decide on measures related to the referendum. His proposal to oppose the referendum was approved unanimously by a vote of 48 members in attendance.

Ex-Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raaee introduced an additional motion, which was likewise approved unanimously.

Raaee suggested initiating street demonstrations against the unification of elections.

The Elections Commission has declared that the public referendum regarding the merger of elections and the definition of the parliamentary term will take place concurrently with the April 4 elections for the Local Council and the Women's Development Committee.