Maldives elections rescheduled for April 21

The Maldives’ Parliamentary elections have been rescheduled for April 21, the Election Commission has said, after President Mohamed Muizzu ratified a Bill that allowed for the postponement of the polls.

The elections were initially scheduled for March 17 this year.

Still, the opposition sought a deferment, citing Ramadan — from March 10 to April 9.

The Opposition, comprising the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) along with its breakaway faction The Democrats, currently has majority in parliament.

Its MPs voted on Feb. 11 to amend the country’s General Elections Act to push the polls to a different date.

However, President Muizzu did not ratify the amendment in the first instance.

On Feb. 28, the legislature reaffirmed its decision in a fresh vote, after which Mr. Muizzu ratified the Bill.