President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently is intended to facilitate independent and fair elections, stressing that the move is not a political decision.

Speaking at the PNC rally last night, the President Dr Muizzu said the proposed change would benefit both the country and its people, noting that the current system does not provide the same advantages and that the initiative is being pursued in the national interest.

He stated that one of the key outcomes of holding both elections simultaneously would be to address the issue of parliamentary supermajorities, adding that the change would reduce undue influence in elections and contribute to a more balanced distribution of power.

The President said the decision to proceed with the referendum was aimed at preventing challenges experienced under previous systems, emphasising that the country and its people remain the priority in such decisions.

He further reiterated that the vote is not based on political considerations, noting that previous policy decisions, including reforms related to tobacco and vaping, were also undertaken without political motives.

Calling on the public to support the proposal, the President said the change would strengthen democracy, improve governance and reduce corruption, while also alleging that opposition efforts to resist the move were aimed at preventing such reforms.