President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections on the same day would allow all parties and candidates to compete on more equally.
Speaking at the Espresso With the President youth event, the President said holding both elections on the same day is beneficial in all ways, with the biggest being paving the way for a more fairer and freer election.
The President noted that the ruling party has historically gained a supermajority in Parliament in the Maldives. He attributed this to low voter turnout in parliamentary elections, and candidates using government resources and work to gain advantage.
The President said presidential elections usually have more balanced results between major parties. Therefore, holding both elections together could increase voter turnout and lead to fairer representation in Parliament, he explained.
Noting that the current six-month gap between elections creates challenges for governance, the President said same-day elections would also allow the government to start work immediately without interruption.
The President had previously said if combined elections are approved in the upcoming referendum scheduled for 4 April, it will help align budget preparation with the newly elected government.
Responding to criticism that leaders would engage less with the public if the parliamentary and presidential elections were held together, the President said this would not happen with leaders who are genuinely committed to serving people.