Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee has decided to consult with political parties, the Attorney General and Elections Commission (EC) on February 2nd regarding combining the two main elections in the Maldives, the presidential and the parliamentary elections.
During the five-minute Independent Institutions Committee meeting held on Thursday, ruling PNC’s Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau revealed that it has been decided that political parties would be consulted on the proposed amendment, as the Maldivian democracy is founded on a multi-party system. He emphasized the need to consult EC, citing the Commission’s role as the body responsible for all legal aspects of elections.
Accordingly, Shujau proposed holding meetings with political parties, EC, and the Attorney General regarding the amendment, suggesting separate discussions with each on February 2.
The proposal was seconded by West Henveiru MP Ali Ibrahim, and subsequently passed with the unanimous votes of all committee members in attendance.
Six out of the 11-member Committee attended Thursday's meeting. They are:
Shujau
Ali Ibrahim
Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef
Kolaamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi
Faresmaathoda MP Ashraf Rasheed
Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed
The bill to amend the constitution for the purpose of combining the presidential and parliamentary elections was submitted by ruling PNC’s Parliamentary Group Leader, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah.
The bill proposes to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections, and for this purpose, change the inauguration of the new parliamentary assembly to December 1st.
The next presidential election will take place in 2028.
If the proposed amendments are passed, it would mean the 21st parliamentary assembly will be inaugurated on December 1st in 2028, after a combined presidential and parliamentary election. This would effectively conclude the ongoing 20th parliamentary assembly, which is shortened in contrast to a normal five-year parliamentary term in order to accommodate the change. 
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced his administration’s plans to submit legislative amendments to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections in a bid to reduce state expenditure during a function held to inaugurate ruling PNC’s new party centre on July 7, 2024.
He cited this as the most beneficial course of action for Maldivians, citing that over MVR 180 million was incurred for the two rounds of the last presidential elections, and over MVR 120 million was incurred for the last parliamentary elections.
 
According to the President, combining both elections would help save at least MVR 120 million, which can be put better use, such as assisting low-income individuals.