Referendum to be proposed on holding conjoint presidential and parliamentary elections

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that he will propose to parliament that a public referendum be taken on whether the next presidential and parliamentary elections should be held conjointly.

Speaking at a gathering held by ruling People's National Congress last night, the President said that over MVR 180 million had been spent on the latest presidential election, with over MVR 120 million having been spent on April's parliamentary election. He opined that the better option would be to hold the two elections together, and said that he would propose to parliament that a public referendum be held on the matter.

"It is in the best interests of the people to hold these two elections conjointly. There is an amendment that must be brought to the Constitution for this. That amendment can be made by taking a referendum vote amongst the public," he said.

"I believe that the best option would be to hold these two elections together in 2028 if the people decide to do so and the amendment to the Constitution is brought about," the President said.

The President said that while people's participation in the running of the State is important, elections must be held in a cost-efficient manner. He said that while the presidential and parliamentary elections are held close to each other as the law exists now, the State can save MVR 120 million if the two elections are held together.

"Then, we are able to save MVR 120 million of the people's money. With that MVR 120 million, the State, the government, can handle many things for families in difficult circumstances, many things can be done," the President said.

The President stated that this amendment will be proposed during the ongoing parliamentary term.

As per the Constitution, any changes to how the President or Parliament Members are elected can only be brought through a public referendum. If the people vote against it, then the change cannot be brought, the Constitution says.