The Election Commission (EC) has asked the Parliament to give more time to hold a referendum to re-determine the system of governance in the Maldives.

The Parliament today had a debate on the Election Commission's letter to Parliament on the vote.

The Election Commission has asked to give more time to conduct the vote in accordance with the resolution passed by the parliament as there are many preparations that need to be done.

The Deputy Secretary General of Parliament read the letter to the parliament today, which noted that the commission would assess the time it would take for the work related to the referendum and announce a date it deemed possible. In addition, the commission has requested to send the wording of the question and an information sheet related to the vote.

The EC letter said that adequate time would be needed to sensitize the people on the topic of voting, compile the voter registry, arrangements for filing complaints regarding the vote, and other necessary preparations for the vote.

The EC's letter also asked the parliament to share three things in writing. The first item listed is the phrase that the parliament approves to be included in the ballot paper. The Election Commission said the resolution passed by Parliament is open to questions. However, the Commission believes that it is best to have optional answers left to the people when such a vote is taken.

Secondly, the EC has requested the Commission to provide an information sheet on the arguments for and against the calls made in the resolution passed by the Parliament. Thirdly, the budget for the vote should be passed as soon as possible.