Leader of the Jumhooree Party Gasim Ibrahim has strongly criticized political figures opposing the plan to hold the Presidential and Parliamentary elections on the same day.

He described the simultaneous elections as a measure aimed at benefiting the nation and expressed disapproval of leaders who have spoken against the move.

While giving a special interview for VTV a day before the referendum vote regarding the combining of the elections, Gasim said that holding both of the elections on the same day is something that needs to be done.

Gasim, known as one of the most prolific businessmen in Maldives, stated that entrepreneurs who are paying salaries to thousands of people and paying the highest in taxes for the state are the ones who are hoping for the best for the country, even more than political leaders.

Gasim highlighted that the largest business owners would support the elections being held on the same day if it means state spending would decrease.

"Combining the elections will not lessen the rights nor freedom of the citizens by any stretch," said Gasim, who is also the MP for Maamigili.

Looking at the political history of Maldives, Gasim stated that the person who is elected as President works to secure the majority in Parliament for the first six months of them taking office, and that combining the election would bring an end to that culture.

Gasim has heavily criticized the people who are against the combining of the elections, even if they know it would save millions for the state.

Gasim went on to say that those who are opposed to it while knowing that it would benefit the country and its people are only doing it for political gain.

Gasim also responded to the criticisms that were aimed at the increase in political positions while speaking on the decrease in expenditure that would result in the combining of the elections.

As per Gasim, talks of the culture of maintaining power while offering political positions were started by those who criticize the current government.

Gasim has requested the public to not let go of the opportunity that would benefit the country with the combining of the two elections and the expenditure saved by the state as a result.