Deputy Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day would generate significant benefits for the country and its people.

Speaking at a press conference held by the PNC on 1 March, Minister Shiyam said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to seek public approval through the referendum scheduled for April on whether presidential and parliamentary elections should be held on the same day. He stated that the proposed constitutional amendment is being put before voters to allow the public to determine the matter directly. 

He said the Government considers public consultation essential in matters. He added that the proposed change would align the electoral cycles while requiring a six-month reduction in the term of the People’s Majlis.

Referring to voter participation statistics, Minister Shiyam said parliamentary elections have traditionally recorded lower turnout compared to presidential elections. He argued that conducting both polls simultaneously would increase civic participation and strengthen democratic representation.

The minister also stated that previous national leaders had expressed support for similar reforms, but later shifted positions due to political considerations.

Highlighting financial implications, Minister Shiyam said holding the elections together would reduce State expenditure associated with organising separate national polls. He further noted that campaign spending by candidates would also decrease. Referring to the 2024 parliamentary elections, in which 368 candidates contested, Minister Shiyam estimated that if each candidate spent approximately MVR 3 million on campaigning, total expenditure would approach MVR 1.1 billion.

He also said prolonged and repeated election cycles have contributed to social strain, suggesting that synchronising elections could reduce political tension and promote greater social cohesion.