Public to Benefit From Synchronised Elections, President Muizzu Says

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for the synchronisation of presidential and parliamentary elections, arguing that holding both votes on the same day would better reflect democratic principles and serve the public interest.

Speaking at a political gathering organised by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), the President presented a vision for electoral reform aimed at increasing civic participation and improving fiscal planning.

The proposal focuses primarily on boosting voter turnout in legislative elections. The President noted that historical data from the Maldives’ multi-party era shows a consistent difference in participation levels, with presidential elections recording an average turnout of more than 86 per cent, while parliamentary elections have averaged around 76 per cent.

He stated that aligning the electoral calendar would encourage greater voter participation in parliamentary races by consolidating national voting events.

The President said the main benefit of the proposal would be the strengthening of civic engagement. He observed that presidential elections traditionally attract higher participation than parliamentary or local council elections.

Currently, parliamentary elections are held six months after the presidential election. The President argued that reducing this gap would also provide administrative advantages by allowing the newly elected legislature to consider and approve the national budget in line with the government’s mandate.

He added that if the public approves the proposal through the upcoming referendum, the Government intends to introduce amendments to the Public Finance Act to support the transition.

The President described the existing system, which requires the budget to be submitted before the end of September, as limiting the ability of a newly elected administration to shape its first budget according to its manifesto commitments.

He stated that amendments would be proposed to allow the parliamentary body taking office on 1 December to participate more actively in the budget approval process.

The proposed reform requires the eighth amendment to the Constitution and will be submitted to the public for approval. A referendum on the proposal is scheduled for 4 April and will coincide with the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections.