President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that any citizen who prioritises national interest would support synchronising the presidential and parliamentary elections, framing the initiative as a critical step toward bolstering democratic participation and ensuring political stability.
Speaking at a ruling party event ahead of the local council elections, President Muizzu accused the opposition of misleading the public by mischaracterising his proposal as merely combining the two main elections.
He clarified that his administration has moved a resolution for a referendum, to shorten the current parliamentary term which is a necessity for aligning the election dates as stipulated by the Constitution. "Everyone who prioritises national interest would want the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on the same day," he said.
He argued that the current six-month gap between the votes leads to a significant voter turnout drop-off of 10 to 12 percent in parliamentary elections, which he labelled as a sign for weakened democracy. Noting the presidential election as the nation's most popular poll, the President contended that holding the parliamentary vote on the same day would capitalise on high public engagement.
"If the number of people who go out to elect their representatives increases, it paves the way for a stronger democracy. So if this election is held on the day of the largest number of people voting, the highest number of people will have the opportunity to vote. It is very important for the future and for the strengthening of democracy in Maldives,” he explained.
Beyond voter turnout, President Muizzu highlighted the issue of political stability. He suggested that the current system allows for a scenario where an opposition majority in parliament can unduly pressure a newly elected government and create instability during the six month gap. Aligning the mandates, he argued, would create a more coherent and stable political environment for the entire term of a government.