Merged Elections Ensure Equal Representation for Political Parties, says President Muizzu

President Mohamed Muizzu has said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day would ensure equal representation for political parties in the People’s Majlis, arguing that the current system creates structural imbalances.

Speaking during a talk show aired on SanguTV titled Espresso with Raees, Muizzu said synchronising the elections would create equal opportunity for all political parties, eliminating advantages that arise under the existing electoral cycle.

He said that following a presidential election, parliament effectively enters a six-month period where its functioning is limited, describing it as a “limbo” phase that affects governance.

Muizzu also pointed to the political implications of the current system, noting that if his party were to lose the 2028 presidential election, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) could still retain its parliamentary supermajority for up to six months into a new administration.

He acknowledged that no political actor would want to give up such an advantage for “selfish reasons.” Still, he said he was willing to forgo that benefit and contest future elections on equal footing.

The president said an alternative proposal being considered is to hold parliamentary elections midway through the presidential term. However, he noted that this would still result in multiple election cycles, as parliamentary and local council elections would fall close together, leaving two separate election periods instead of three.

Addressing concerns over accountability, Muizzu said opposition to merging elections largely stems from the public’s desire to assess the performance of elected officials separately. He said proposed constitutional reforms would include provisions for recall votes, allowing voters to remove underperforming representatives before the end of their term.

The proposed changes are set to be put to a public vote in a referendum scheduled to take place alongside local council elections on 4 April, as the government seeks approval before ratifying an amendment to the Constitution. 

Members of the public, as well as the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has previously expressed concern over the proposal, warning that synchronising elections could concentrate power and weaken public accountability during the government’s five-year term.