The Supreme Court of the Maldives has refused to hear a petition filed by former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain seeking to stop a referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day.

The referendum is scheduled alongside the upcoming local council elections on April 4. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly opposed the move, while the Jumhooree Party (JP) and other political figures have expressed support.

Ali Hussain argued that the constitutional amendment enabling the change was invalid, claiming it was not ratified within the required timeframe. However, the court registrar confirmed the court has rejected the case, stating that the constitutional procedure cited applies only if the president refuses to ratify a bill, which has not been established.

Meanwhile, the court has accepted a separate constitutional case filed by members of the MDP’s legal team, indicating the issue will still be reviewed through other legal challenges.