Nasheed backs proposal to merge presidential and parliamentary elections

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed support for the government’s proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, describing the idea as a positive step.

“I think it is a good idea to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections together,” Nasheed, one of the founders of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said.

His remarks come after the ruling PNC parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah submitted a bill to Parliament seeking to merge the two elections.

The bill aims to require that presidential and parliamentary elections be held simultaneously. It also proposes amendments to provisions related to the calculation of parliamentary terms and age limits, as well as necessary constitutional changes.

Under the proposed legislation, parliamentary elections would be held every five years alongside presidential elections. The term of office of Parliament would be five years, beginning on December 1.

According to the bill, the current parliamentary term expires on December 1, 2028. Therefore, parliamentary elections would be held before that date, together with the presidential election.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that holding the two elections together would result in significant cost savings for the state. Speaking at a PNC meeting, he said the move would save MVR 120 million from the national budget.

“The MVR 120 million will be used to resolve the problems of many poor families,” the President said.

Last year, Parliament also passed the Referendum Act, which allows the government to seek public opinion on major national issues. The Act enables changes such as moving the presidential inauguration date from November 17 to November 11, holding presidential and parliamentary elections together, and conducting a referendum on abolishing the second round of presidential elections.

Parliament last year also passed a Referendum Act to allow public opinion to be sought on major national issues. The legislation enables changes such as moving the presidential inauguration date from November 17 to November 11, holding presidential and parliamentary elections together, and conducting a referendum on abolishing the second round of presidential elections.

The Act also provides for secret ballots on other matters of national importance.

The first referendum held under the Act took place in October last year, seeking public opinion on separating Addu City’s connected islands into separate administrative constituencies.