Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has said the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) current refusal to support the merger of the presidential and parliamentary elections raises questions over the party’s consistency, noting that senior MDP figures had previously expressed support for combining election cycles.

Speaking to MMTV during the PNC North Galolhu door-to-door campaign activities for the upcoming local council and WDC elections, Minister Ghassan said the opposition’s present position contrasts with earlier statements made by its leadership. He said the party’s stance now differs from positions taken previously.

Minister Ghassan said former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had previously stated that holding combined elections would be in the public interest. He said the change in position raises questions about the opposition’s approach.

The Defence Minister said merging elections would benefit the public by reducing State expenditure and strengthening the democratic process, adding that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) supports the proposal on those grounds.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam also commented on the issue, saying that frequent elections during a Government’s term divert attention and resources away from public service delivery.