Fayyaz opposes one-round presidential elections, calls it a restriction of rights

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has come out against the proposed shift to a one-round presidential election using a preferential voting system, warning that it could infringe on voters’ rights.

Responding to former President Mohamed Nasheed’s support for the change, Fayyaz said such a move risks weakening the democratic process.

Nasheed, who expressed his support for a preferential voting, said in a post on social media platform X that it would be more efficient to elect a president in one round.

However, Fayyaz, who also served as economic minister previously, said the current two-round system ensures that a president is elected with a clear mandate from the majority of voters; something especially important in a small country like Maldives, where votes can be counted and results announced within hours.

He said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections separately is a core principle of the Constitution. However, he highlighted potential benefits in aligning presidential and local council elections to harmonize national and regional development efforts.

Fayyaz also criticized the cost-cutting justification behind the proposal.

“While millions have been lost to corruption and wasteful political spending has ballooned, there is no genuine intention behind this proposed change,” he said.

He said that it is necessary for broad public discussion before making any significant changes to the electoral system.

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.

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.

Nasheed backs one round preferential voting system