Economic Development and Trade Minister and People’s National Congress (PNC) Vice President Mohamed Saeed has said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day could help reduce corruption.

Minister Saeed made the remarks while speaking at a Tharaweeh gathering organised by the PNC in the Haa Alifu Hoarafushi constituency on Saturday night. He said the current system, where parliamentary elections are held months after the presidential election, creates opportunities for corruption and political malpractice.

He noted that if both elections were held on the same day, presidential candidates would conduct campaigns while candidates contesting for the People’s Majlis would campaign within their respective constituencies. Minister Saeed said this arrangement would also prevent candidates from being labelled as “Government-backed” contenders during parliamentary races.

The Minister also stated that the proposed change would allow for a clearer transition of power. Under the proposal, the President would be sworn in on 17 November, followed by the swearing-in of Members of Parliament on 1 December. This, he said, would enable the incoming administration to know the composition of the Majlis and begin implementing its manifesto from the start of its term in January 2029.

Responding to criticism from the opposition regarding Government spending, Minister Saeed said such claims lack sincerity. He also alleged that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), while in power, used resources outside the state budget during the Komandoo and Kaafu Guraidhoo by-elections in efforts to secure those seats.