There will be one name on the ballot paper for the 2028 presidential election if President Mohamed Muizzu wins the referendum in the upcoming local council elections, former Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warned.

The government wants to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections. The Elections Commission (EC) has announced a referendum on the plans during the April 4 local council polls.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday (March 8), Hassan Latheef said the outcome of the referendum would give an incumbent the opportunity to establish a regime similar to the pre-2008 regime under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who was in power for 30 years.

"The end point is that a referendum is being taken to remove the people's power to vote, the power to speak and decide things. If Muizzu wins this vote, the presidential election will also be a referendum; there will be only one candidate," Hassan said.

Hassan said it is common for leaders who come to power with a small support to change the constitution and take power into their own hands.

"There is no problem in holding the parliamentary elections six months after the presidential elections. It is a measure to hold the government accountable," he added.

The question to be put to the public in the referendum 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. Muizzu is the only confirmed candidate so far.