Nasheed backs one round preferential voting system

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has shown his support behind moving to a one-round presidential election using a preferential voting system.

Nasheed expressed his support for a one round voting system in a post on social media platform X.

The renewed push for electoral reform comes as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last week urged MPs to consider amending the Constitution to allow such a change.

He made the request during a meeting with members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) at Muliaage.

President Muizzu has previously expressed support for electing a president in a single round.

Last November, he said the Attorney General’s Office had begun studying the introduction of a preferential system, which he believes could be more efficient and cost-effective.

“It would mean a single-round presidential election, one that clearly identifies the winner and the runner-up. I believe that some countries.. some of our neighbouring countries follow such systems as well. If research shows it’s better for our country and the people want it, I will push for it through Parliament,” he said at the time.

President Muizzu also stressed the need for public consultation before introducing such significant changes to the electoral process.