President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has returned a bill on postponing the parliamentary elections to the People's Majlis.
President's Office said the bill was returned upon the advice of Attorney General Ahmed Usham that it contradicts the principles set out in the Constitution.
"This bill was returned today. The Attorney General noted that the bill contains provisions that contradict the principles enshrined in the Constitution and could hinder the conduct of free and fair elections," the President's Office said.
The Parliament approved the bill on February 11 to hold voting 10 days after Ramadan if an election coincides with the fasting month. The bill was sent to the President's Office on February 12.
Article 91 (a) of the Constitution states that a bill passed by the Parliament "shall be ratified by the President within 15 days of sending to the President's Office." The bill can be returned to the Parliament within 15 days without ratification.
Article 91 (b) of the Constitution states that if a bill returned by the President is passed by a majority without any changes, it shall be ratified by the President and published in the Government Gazette."
Article 91 (c) of the Constitution states that if a bill is not returned to Parliament within the 15-day period, "the bill shall be deemed as ratified and must be published in the Government Gazette."
Ramadan begins on March 10 this year while the Elections Commission (EC) has scheduled the parliamentary polls for March 17. If the amendment to the General Elections Act was ratified, the polls would be postponed for a date after April 20.
