Elections Commission (EC) President Mohamed Zahid has stated that the Commission possesses the full capacity to hold a public referendum alongside the upcoming Local Council Elections, should the situation require it. Speaking on PSM News’ “Raajje Miadhu” program, Zahid noted that it is the Commission’s responsibility to execute the process whenever the law mandates an election.

Referring to the bill currently submitted to the People’s Majlis (Parliament) regarding the consolidation of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, he stated that if a vote to seek public opinion is required due to a constitutional amendment or for any other reason, it can be conducted during the Council Elections. Explaining the procedures for holding a referendum, the Commission President stated that such a vote can only be taken via a Decree issued by the President or a Resolution passed by the People’s Majlis. He further noted that the vote must be held within three months of the Commission receiving such a directive.

Zahid further added that even if this timeframe coincides with the Council Elections, the Commission will not hesitate to undertake the necessary administrative and technical preparations to carry out the task. While work on amending the Constitution to combine elections is currently proceeding in extraordinary sittings of the Majlis, the work on the bill is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. The assurance given by Zahid at this juncture is that the Elections Commission is fully prepared to act in accordance with any changes implemented within the legal framework. He reiterated that the Commission has no “choice” but to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to it by law, and will hold elections according to established policies.