Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem (South Galolhu) has today criticized the Public Referendum Bill, describing it as a regressive move.
He argued that the bill goes against the principles underpinning the new Constitution.
The bill was submitted to parliament by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Ibrahim Falah (Inguraidhoo) on behalf of the government. As per the bill, a public referendum is to be taken on fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, parliamentary term, presidential term, presidential election, ratification of bills, and issues concerning Maldivian territory.
The bill places the responsibility of conducting the referendum in accordance with a presidential decree on the Elections Commission. The commission is mandated to make public the clear questions to be voted on within five days of receiving a request for a referendum.
During today’s debate, Meekail claimed the bill is intended to manipulate the outcome of the 2028 presidential election.
The bill places the most major responsibility on the Elections Commission, Meekail said, noting that it is important to have gauged the condition of the commission before submitting such a bill.
He pointed out that it is now the President who gets to appoint the President and Vice President of the Elections Commission. He alleged that with this change, it is seen that the Elections Commission now follows orders from the President.
Meekail said that the Elections Commission had failed to take action even when forged party membership forms had been filled through the Department of National Registration. While the commission is in such a condition, there is no confidence in the Elections Commission to conduct a fair referendum, he said.
Meanwhile, PNC members praised the bill in today's debate, describing it as a means of empowering citizens.
