MPs from The Democrats, whose candidate Ilyas Labeeb came third in the presidential election, have started advocating for a public referendum on changing the system of government.
Speaking during Tuesday's sitting of parliament, MP Ilyas Labeeb, who represents the Hulhudhoo constituency, said the present was the most appropriate time for a public referendum.
"It is important to come out at this moment and take a yes or no vote to the public. Going forward with the people's decision would be best for the country's future," he said.
Democrats MP Hassan Afeef said some legislative functions in parliament were carried out as a parliamentary system despite the country's presidential system.
"That's how committees are [formed] as well. It's not a problem to assign a percentage based on the representation of MPs in parliament. But the chair of some committees need to be given. Especially the chairs of the public accounts committee and government oversight committee must be given to an MP of a party who is not in the government. We should amend the rules for that," Hassan Afeef said.
The turnout in the presidential election was 80 percent with 225,398 voters. The incumbent finished second with 39 percent. People's National Congress (PNC) presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu won the most votes with 46 percent. Democrats candidate Ilyas won seven percent with more than 15,000 votes.
The system of government in the Maldives was decided through a secret ballot on August 18, 2007 as 95,619 people voted for a presidential system and 58,505 people favored a parliamentary system.
