President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Public Referendum Bill, formally enacting legislation that sets out the principles and procedures for holding nationwide referendums in the Maldives.

The bill, passed during the 5th Special Session of the People’s Majlis on Monday, 15 September 2025, outside regular parliamentary sittings, outlines the legal framework for conducting referendums on issues of national importance.

Under the new law, the People’s Majlis may resolve to hold a referendum on matters directly affecting the Maldivian people, while the President is also empowered to call a referendum to gauge public opinion on questions of national significance.

A key provision of the bill requires that when Parliament passes amendments to certain constitutional articles, the President must first seek public approval through a referendum before such changes can take effect.

The legislation further defines the responsibilities of those proposing referendums, details the procedures the Elections Commission must follow in administering them, and includes other operational guidelines.

Following ratification, the law has been published in the Government Gazette and has officially come into force.