Parliament passes bill to hold Majlis elections after Ramadan

The Parliament on Sunday passed legislature to ban national elections during the month of Ramadan.

The bill to amend the General Elections Act was submitted by the main opposition MDP – which holds a majority in the Parliament - on January 24.

It came after the Elections Commission (EC) scheduled the parliamentary elections for March 17 – which falls within the first week of Ramadan – sparking concern over a likely low voter turnout.

According to the new amendment, if an election date falls within Ramadan, it must be held 10 days after Ramadan ends.

The bill passed with a majority vote of 46-3 on Sunday afternoon.

While the EC has yet to announce a new election date, the earliest the election can be held – once the new amendment takes effect – is April 19.

The term of the current parliamentary assembly is set to expire on May 28.

The upcoming elections will see Maldivians elect parliamentary representatives to 93 electoral districts.