President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to hold public referendums on three significant electoral reforms.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Dharubaaruge on the occasion of the Republic Day on Sunday, President Dr. Muizzu said the government will seek public opinion on merging the presidential and parliamentary elections, moving the start of the presidential term to November 11, and implementing a system where presidential elections can be decided in a single voting round.
The President emphasized that combining the presidential and parliamentary elections could reduce costs and streamline processes in a nation with such a small population.
“With just a few months between these elections, the costs are substantial—hundreds of millions for the Election Commission alone,” he said.
Currently, as a result of political factors, presidents are sworn in on November 17, although Republic Day is November 11. The president said shifting the inauguration date to November 11 once again would restore the symbolic significance of Republic Day. He stated that a referendum would allow citizens to decide on the proposed change.
“These are not things I can decide for myself. But as the law stands, these honorable MPs cannot decide either. We have to go to the people,” he said.
Additionally, the President suggested a one-round voting system using preferential voting to determine a winner without a second round.
“In a situation requiring a second round, voters’ first-round preferences would determine the outcome, concluding the election in one round,” he explained.
The President said the Attorney General’s Office is conducting studies on the proposed changes.
