Who can initiate an optional referendum at the national level?

Constitutionof the Republic of Maldives

(Adopted in 2008, replacing and repealing the Constitution of 1998)

http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf

Article 70.

(b)The law making powers of the People’s Majlis pursuant to article (a), includesthe following powers:

6.the holding of public referendums on issues of public importance;

Article115.

Inaddition to the duties and powers otherwise expressly conferred on the Presidentby this Constitution and the law, the President is entrusted pursuant to thisConstitution with carrying out the duties specified herein and shall have thefollowing powers to do so:

(p) to hold public referendums on issues ofnational importance

Article 264.

(b) of the Constitution: If the President doesnot assent to the Bill amending the Constitution passed by the People’s Majlisand so informs the People’s Majlis, the People’s Majlis may within a perioddetermined by the People’s Majlis call for a public referendum to vote on theadoption or rejection of the Bill.