The government has submitted a bill to Parliament that would establish a legal framework for holding national referendums as part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s broader push to amend the Constitution and overhaul the country’s electoral system.
The bill, introduced by Ibrahim Falaah, the parliamentary group leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), sets out how and when referendums can be held. It would open the door to public votes on major national and constitutional issues – including changes to fundamental rights, the president’s powers and term length, the election process, and the composition of Parliament.
While most referendums would require parliamentary approval, the proposed law also gives the president the authority to call a referendum by decree on matters deemed of national importance. Referendum questions could be bundled into a single vote and withdrawn at any time before the Elections Commission sets a polling date.
Under the bill, the commission must organise the vote within 45 to 90 days after receiving a request, with all citizens aged 18 and above eligible to participate in a secret ballot.
The move follows Muizzu’s announcement in his presidential address that his administration would establish a framework for national referendums. He has also proposed adopting a preferential voting system for presidential elections to avoid costly run-off rounds.
Muizzu has further suggested moving the presidential swearing-in date from 17 November to 11 November, Republic Day. The current inauguration date was established following delays and legal disputes during the 2013 election cycle. The president has also floated the idea of holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, though no bill has yet been submitted.