Akram Kamaluddin, who served as State Minister for the Housing Ministry during the MDP government and has been highly critical of the current administration, has expressed his support for holding the Presidential Election and the Parliamentary Election on the same day.
While the public referendum on whether to hold these two elections together is scheduled for April 4, MDP has been campaigning against the simultaneous elections, while the government is campaigning in favor.
In a post on X that contradicts the general stance of MDP, Akram highlighted six points detailing significant benefits of holding the two elections on the same day.
Akram wrote that by holding both elections together, the candidate running for presidency, or an incumbent seeking another term, would have less focus on securing the Parliament seats, which would reduce influence and pave the way for citizens to elect a Parliament they truly desire.
<b>"By holding two elections on the same day, the need for the government to constantly shift its main focus due to election pressure will come to an end. This will also establish an environment where the administration can work toward its primary goals."</b><b>Akram</b>
Akram stated that for those voting to elect Parliament members, not knowing which party’s candidate will win the presidency at the time of voting would make it easier for citizens to choose their preferred candidate.
He mentioned that holding two elections on the same day would end the need for the government to constantly shift its main focus due to election pressure, thereby establishing an environment where the administration can work toward its primary goals.
He noted that while holding multiple elections during a presidential term increases spending by the state or the sitting government, reducing the number of election days would lower expenses.
Akram said that by holding the elections on the same day, in addition to the spending by the Elections Commission, the rate at which governments increase jobs to win elections would decrease, and the spending by parties would also be lower. Furthermore, Akram stated that if two elections are held on one day, the voter turnout would increase manifold.
"Therefore, I support holding the Presidential Election and the Parliamentary Election on the same day," Akram wrote.
Although some MDP leaders have previously spoken in favor of holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections together, the party is now opposed to it.
The party has even filed a court case to stop the vote regarding the simultaneous elections. The trial for that case began today.
The question posed in the referendum on holding the two elections together asks whether it is favored to ratify the bill on the 8th amendment to the Constitution, which was passed to establish the practice of holding the two elections on the same day and to define the rules for calculating the term of the Parliament.
The MDP has requested a determination that the referendum scheduled for April 4 must not be held, arguing that the question is not designed within the principles mandated by Article 262 (b) of the Constitution.
