The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that the government was bringing changes to the Constitution to extend the presidential term.

At a press conference by the MDP parliamentary group, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said if the term of the parliament is shortened, the presidential term will be extended because of unfulfilled pledges.

Mauroof warned that if the people do not come out and put this government on the right track, Muizzu will be breaking the laws to stay in power for a long time.

He also accused the government of trying to deprive the people of their right to vote in a democracy.

Meanwhile, in a post on social media X, MDP's former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said the constitutional amendment "is a means to consolidate the chances of re-election for a deeply unpopular incumbent government."

"While the current setup has fallen short of achieving the aspirations of the democratic movement and safeguarding of the people from despotic leaders, the proposed changes will only make it easier for tyrants to stay in power," he said.

He added that the country needs stronger measures to hold the government and state institutions accountable and limit the powers of the presidency.

"The Maldivian people must reject the fraudulent amendment proposed by the government, and instead seek real reform that transfers power closer to the people. We must recognize the urgency of our situation, and think beyond politics and party in this matter," the former Economic Minister said.

The parliament today passed a bill to amend the Constitution to merge the parliamentary and presidential elections and shorten the term of the current People's Majlis as proposed by the government.

The parliament committee took just five minutes to pass the bill. No changes were brought when the chamber, controlled by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), voted on the bill.

The bill, moved by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah, says that the parliamentary elections should be held along with presidential elections.

The bill proposes to change the date of the first session of the newly elected parliament to December 1. This will reduce the term of the current 20th People's Majlis by six months.

The term will end on December 1, 2028, and the administrative arrangements of the new parliament must be completed before that date.

President Mohamed Muizzu earlier said the constitution can only be amended by a public referendum. Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham told Adhadhu that the referendum will be held when the bill is sent for ratification.

Muizzu will submit the bill to the Elections Commission (EC). If the people do not support this, the bill will be invalidated, Usham said.

The EC said the referendum can be held on April 4 if the changes are approved before February 18.

If the bill passes, the parliamentary election will be held along with the presidential election in 2028. Muizzu is the only candidate confirmed to contest so far.