Minister at the Presidential Palace Iqbal Adam has said the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is opposing the upcoming referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently due to political pressure.

Speaking during coverage of a PNC door-to-door campaign in Galolhu South attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Iqbal said decisions on national matters should be guided by the country’s interests rather than political considerations, adding that synchronising elections would bring multiple benefits.

He said previous leaders had also expressed support for holding elections simultaneously, noting that recent shifts in position by opposition figures were not reflective of their earlier stance, but rather influenced by external pressures.

Iqbal further stated that conducting both elections on the same day would yield advantages in terms of economic efficiency, time management and administrative stability, while also contributing to social cohesion.

He also expressed concern over opposition to the proposal by former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, adding that measures which benefit the country should receive broad support across political lines.