The Maldives Parliament has passed a landmark piece of legislation creating a formal legal framework for conducting public referendums on matters of national importance.

The Public Referendum Bill, moved on behalf of the government, was approved on Monday with 64 votes in favour during an extraordinary sitting.

While the Constitution permits referendums, no law previously existed to regulate the process.

Under the new legislation, referendums can be held on a wide range of national issues.

Parliament may determine whether specific matters of public concern should be put to a vote, while the President will decide on referendums concerning issues of national importance.

Additionally, if the President rejects a constitutional amendment bill and returns it to Parliament, the matter must be put to a public vote.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) will oversee all referendums once authorized by Parliament or the President.

The law requires a minimum 45-day interval between the announcement and the referendum date to allow public debate, logistical preparations, and voter awareness.

For regional votes, the ECM may shorten this period.

To pass, a referendum must secure more than 50% of valid votes cast.

All expenses will be met through the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, with the Ministry of Finance required to release funds to the ECM within 10 days of submission.

The legislation marks a significant step in strengthening democratic participation in the Maldives by providing citizens a clear mechanism to directly vote on critical national decisions.