Jumhooree Party leader and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim has urged Maldivians to vote in favour of a constitutional reform that would allow presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on the same day, saying the change is essential for political stability and effective governance.
In a statement shared on social media, Qasim reflected on the Maldives’ political experience since the introduction of the multi-party system in 2008. He argued that newly elected administrations often spend their early months attempting to secure a parliamentary majority instead of focusing on governing.
Under the current system, presidential elections are held first and parliamentary elections follow several months later. Qasim said this arrangement often leads to political friction, with governments facing difficulties during their initial months in office.
He also highlighted the financial cost of conducting two separate national elections within a short period. According to him, holding the elections together could save more than MVR 120 million in state funds, which could instead be directed toward essential public services.
Maldivians are scheduled to vote in a constitutional referendum on 4 April, which will be held alongside the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections. The referendum will ask voters whether they approve the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution to allow presidential and parliamentary elections to be conducted concurrently.
Government and ruling party stance
The proposal to align the two national elections has been strongly backed by the government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).
The amendment, introduced in Parliament by the government, was passed by the People’s Majlis earlier this year before being sent for public approval through a nationwide referendum.
President Muizzu later issued a presidential decree declaring the public referendum to seek the people’s decision on the reform.
Speaking at political gatherings, the President has stated that synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections would help reduce political instability that often arises during the early months of a new administration. He also noted that aligning the elections could improve voter turnout and allow governments to focus more effectively on development priorities rather than prolonged political campaigning.
If approved by voters in the April referendum, the constitutional amendment will pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on the same day beginning with a future election cycle.
