President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Public Referendum Bill (Law No. 15/2025) today. The bill was passed during the 5th Special Session of the People’s Majlis, held on Monday, 15 September 2025, outside the regular sitting.
The bill establishes the principles and procedures for conducting a public referendum to ascertain public opinion on matters of national significance. It stipulates that the People’s Majlis may resolve to hold a referendum on issues affecting the people, while the President may also call one to determine public sentiment on questions of national importance.
The bill further stipulates that when Parliament passes an amendment to specific Articles of the Constitution, the President must call a referendum before it may be incorporated into the Constitution.
The bill also sets out the responsibilities of those proposing a referendum, the procedures to be followed by the Elections Commission in administering it, and other related provisions.
Following ratification, the Public Referendum Bill has been published in the Government Gazette and has now come into force.