Former State Minister at the Ministry of Housing, Akram Kamaludeen, has expressed support for holding the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, stating that the move would bring significant benefits to the public.

Akram shared his position in support of the upcoming referendum on the matter, outlining a six key benefits to conducting both elections simultaneously in a post on social media, 

He noted that holding the elections on the same day would reduce undue influence on parliamentary elections by those seeking or holding executive power, thereby enabling voters to elect a parliament that genuinely reflects public will.

Akram said that voters would be able to choose parliamentary candidates more freely, without being influenced by which political party is likely to form the government, allowing for more independent decision-making.

He also highlighted that it would reduce the constant political pressure on the government to shift focus between elections, creating a more stable environment for governance and enabling the administration to concentrate on its core priorities. Additionally, he pointed out that reducing the number of election days would lower state expenditure associated with organising elections.

Akram added that overall campaign-related spending would also decrease, including government expenditure tied to political activity as well as spending by political parties. He emphasised that holding both elections together would significantly increase voter turnout, as more people would participate when both ballots are conducted on the same day.

He concluded by reaffirming his support for the proposal to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently.

Akram is known as a senior activist within the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Notably, the MDP remains the only party that has opposed the proposal to hold both elections on the same day.