The Referendum Bill has been passed in today's extraordinary sitting of the parliament. 

The bill, proposed by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP and Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah, was passed by the Committee on Independent Institutions on September 9. 

A vote was taken on the bill today in the parliament's fifth extraordinary sitting. 64 of the 76 MPs in attendance voted in favour, while 12 MPs from opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against. 

While the bill as proposed by the committee was passed, the committee had brought a number of amendments to the bill.

One such amendment is that the bill now allows targeted referendums to be held in specific regions as well. 

The committee also brought changes to the period of time required between the decision to hold a referendum and the referendum being held. This does not apply to referendums being taken in specific regions. 

The committee also changed the stipulation in the bill that the Finance Ministry must provide funds within 14 days of a request for a referendum. It now reads that the funds should be issued within 10 days. 

Some in the opposition allege that the intention behind passing the Referendum Bill is to extend the presidential term. However, Falah denied these claims today, stating that the only purpose of the bill is to facilitate seeking public opinion. 

Falah asserted that neither PNC members nor President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will support extending the presidential term.