Maldives to Hold National Referendum in April to Test Merging Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

Maldives will hold a nationwide referendum in April to test the possibility of conducting presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, aiming to reduce expenditure, an official said on Wednesday.

President Mohamed Muizzu has set the referendum for April 4, which, if approved, will bring forward the next parliamentary vote, shortening the current parliamentary term by about five months.

The parliamentary election was scheduled for early 2029 and the presidential election for September 2028. Muizzu's spokesperson confirmed that the President issued the referendum order late Monday. This process will coincide with local council elections.

President Muizzu has argued that holding both national elections on the same day would save the Indian Ocean archipelago approximately $8 million. His party-dominated People's Majlis passed a proposal last week via constitutional amendment to synchronize the electoral calendar. Former President Mohamed Nasheed has also supported this reform.

Maldives is taking steps for reform while facing financial pressure. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year advised adopting consolidation measures to stabilize the economy despite a rapidly growing tourism industry.

In 2024, the government rejected an IMF bailout and announced plans to halve Muizzu's salary and implement broad spending cuts.

Maldives, home to about 382,000 people, has stated its economic stress is temporary and currently has no plans to seek external assistance. The new move is expected not only to cut costs but also to enhance coordination and efficiency in the election process.