President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that every day since assuming office, his Administration, now in its third year, has been guided by national interest, even where decisions taken have not been widely popular.

Speaking at the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s rally last night, the President said the Government’s approach has prioritised long-term national benefit over short-term political gain. He cited the generational ban on vaping and tobacco use for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 as an example of a policy aimed at protecting future generations.

The President also outlined proposed electoral reforms, including plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, noting that the current arrangement where the two elections are held several months apart serves no benefit to the nation and creates an uneven playing field. He said newly elected governments are often able to carry political momentum into parliamentary elections, making it difficult for other parties to compete on equal footing.

He emphasised that such conditions undermine free and fair elections, which are a cornerstone of democracy, and said aligning the elections would result in a more representative parliament and strengthen accountability. The President added that, to demonstrate the government’s focus on national interest rather than partisan advantage, the administration is prepared to give up the additional six months in office that would otherwise be granted under the current system, noting that no previous government had been willing to make such a concession.

During his remarks, President Dr Muizzu also clarified key aspects of the upcoming local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, confirming that male voters are eligible to vote for WDC candidates. He noted that confusion surrounding the issue highlights the need for greater public awareness of the electoral process.

He further explained that voters will cast ballots in two elections and a referendum on the same day, receiving three separate ballot papers: one for the local council election, one for the WDC election, and a third for a referendum on whether both elections should be held simultaneously in the future. Each ballot will be placed in a designated box to ensure an organised voting process.