Jumhooree Party leader and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim has called for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on the same day, stating that such a move would bring the greatest benefit to the Maldives.

Speaking on a State media programme aimed at raising public awareness, Qasim said the current constitutional framework places significant power with Parliament, making it essential for any president to secure a legislative majority in order to govern effectively.

He noted that successive administrations, including the current Government under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, have had to spend their initial months in office working to secure parliamentary control. This, he said, often delays the implementation of policies and shifts focus away from public service delivery.

Qasim added that the process of obtaining a majority requires considerable time, resources and political effort, effectively extending the election cycle beyond the presidential vote. He said this has resulted in administrations remaining in campaign mode even after assuming office.

He further stated that holding both elections simultaneously would allow a newly elected Government to transition directly into governance, without the need for prolonged political manoeuvring.

Qasim also said synchronising the elections could help reduce political uncertainty, tension and social unrest associated with frequent elections. He added that a single election cycle would enable the Government to focus more consistently on national development and public service, rather than recurring electoral preparations.