Fisheries Minister and Deputy Leader of the People’s National Congress Ahmed Shiyam has voiced strong support for holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, saying the reform would expand democratic participation and reduce the political and financial strain of frequent polls.
Addressing reporters at a press event, Shiyam highlighted past voter turnout trends, noting high participation in presidential elections followed by a noticeable drop when parliamentary ballots were held separately. He argued that synchronising both polls would encourage broader civic engagement and ensure that national-level voting garners full public involvement.
“If both elections are held on the same day, the electoral process will be concluded with full public participation. This significantly reinforces our democratic system, provided we are committed to strengthening democracy and the public accepts this framework,” Shiyam said.
Shiyam described the proposed change as a continuation of earlier efforts aimed at reducing election frequency, pointing to constitutional amendments that extended Local Council terms from three to five years to ease election cycles. He said fewer elections would allow the government to focus more on delivering public services instead of being mired in constant campaigning.
The PNC deputy leader also cited the heavy financial toll of repeated elections. During the 2024 parliamentary contest, around 368 candidates reportedly spent an estimated three million Rufiyaa each, excluding the administrative costs of the Elections Commission. Shiyam argued that a single combined election day would cut expenses for both candidates and the state.
Shiyam further pointed out that former leaders once backed the idea of synchronised elections, but now critics have reversed their position as the current government seeks to implement it. He stressed that aligning the polls would bring consistency and clarity to the electoral cycle.
The referendum on this proposed constitutional change is scheduled for 4 April, to be held alongside Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections. Voters will be asked whether they approve amending the Constitution so that presidential and parliamentary elections are held together, with changes taking effect for future election cycles.
The proposal has drawn opposition from the Maldivian Democratic Party, which has said it plans to challenge the referendum in court and contests that merging elections could concentrate power and weaken democratic checks.
As April’s nationwide vote approaches, Shiyam and ruling party figures are intensifying efforts to make their case, presenting the referendum as a pivotal moment for advancing democratic reform in the Maldives.
