Maldives moves to merge key elections to cut costs

MALE: The Maldives will hold a nationwide referendum in April to decide whether the presidential and parliamentary elections can be held on the same day to cut costs, an official said Wednesday.

President Mohamed Muizzu has set the plebiscite for April 4, which if approved, would bring forward the next parliamentary vote and shorten the current legislature’s term by about five months.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for early 2029, while the presidential poll is due in September 2028.

Muizzu’s spokesman said the president issued the decree on referendum on Monday night.

The referendum will take place alongside local council elections.