Member of Parliament for Hoarafushi constituency, Ali Moosa, has stated that individuals who truly understand democratic principles would not oppose holding the presidential election and the parliamentary election on the same day.

He made the remarks while spealing to MMTV’s Dhivehinge Raajje programme during the campaign events in Hoarafushi on Thursday, which was attended by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and Minister at the President’s Office, Ibrahim Khaleel.

MP Ali Moosa noted that residents of the Hoarafushi constituency are approaching the upcoming local council elections with high expectations.

He highlighted that over the past decade, the Hoarafushi Council had been under the opposition MDP, and that the public now seeks a shift towards working more closely with the government to accelerate development on the island.

Commenting on the referendum scheduled for 4 April regarding the proposal to hold both elections on the same day, MP Ali Moosa emphasised that such a move aligns with fundamental democratic values.

He stated that holding the two elections concurrently is an important and basic democratic principle, adding that the public should be consulted on the matter. He also noted that while some have voiced opposition, those with a sound understanding of democracy would not act against such a proposal, stressing that the voices of the people must be heard in a democratic system.

MP Ali Moosa further said that he does not consider it problematic to hold a vote to determine public opinion on the issue. He added that the people of Hoarafushi constituency recognise the benefits of conducting both elections on the same day and expressed confidence that the upcoming elections would be successful.