The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council has passed a resolution to work against merging the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The resolution was passed on Thursday night (February 19) after debating the issue put forward by Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.

Meekail highlighted the lack of consultation before rushing constitutional changes in the government-controlled parliament and the insufficient time before the referendum.

His resolution was approved unanimously by 48 members of the National Council.

Many MDP National Council members said they were against merging the two elections because the government was working under a secret agenda.

MDP President Abdulla Shahid said the government was trying to deceive the people and limit the people's opinion on matters.

MDP parliamentary group leader, Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil, said the government's reasoning of cutting costs by merging elections does not make sense.

The question to be put to the public reads: “Do you approve the ratification of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which provides for the Presidential and People’s Majlis elections to be held concurrently and for a change to the term of the People’s Majlis?”

If the public votes in favour of this, the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections will be held together. President Mohamed Muizzu is the only confirmed candidate so far.