Pres. seeks MPs backing to end runoffs in presidential elections, dissolve atoll councils

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sought the support of ruling PNC lawmakers to amend the law to eliminate runoffs in presidential elections and dissolve atoll councils.

The Maldives currently uses the single-member plurality system for parliamentary and council elections, and the two-round or runoff system for presidential elections.

Sun has learned that the President met with PNC lawmakers at the presidential residence, Muleeaage, on Thursday evening.

During the meeting, the President announced that efforts were underway to hold a referendum on eliminating runoffs in presidential elections. He also noted that efforts were underway to hold a referendum on jointly holding the presidential elections and the parliamentary elections.

President Muizzu initially announced plans to combine both elections back in July of last year.

Back then, the President said that he would call for a referendum on the subject, and if the people are found to be in favor, he will push amendments through the Parliament to have the electoral process changed starting the next presidential election, which will be held in 2028.

President Muizzu said he believes the change will be cost-effective.

At Thursday’s meeting, the President also discussed dissolving atoll councils and reducing the number of councilors in island councils.

The president initially conveyed the idea of reducing councilors in island councils to the media. This prompted backlash from opposition MDP, some councilors, and the general public, who voiced concerns that the reform could undermine the decentralization system.

Later, the President, citing one of the concerns surrounding reducing the number of councilors as the possible impact on democratic representation, affirmed his commitment to upholding democratic principles.

He elaborated the reforms he proposed, while emphasizing openness to alternative solutions.

In this regard, he suggested the current number of councilors could be retained, with the president and vice president assuming full-time roles, with the councilors receiving an allowance for each sitting. He described this as the practice in developed countries. As such, it would not affect democratic principles and values, he added.