President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day is aimed at reducing corruption and strengthening democratic governance in the Maldives.

Speaking at the 'Rayyithunge Bodu Hingaalun' campaign rally organised by the People’s National Congress (PNC) ahead of tomorrow’s polls, the President said synchronising the two elections would reduce the likelihood of any single party securing a supermajority, thereby strengthening checks and balances within the political system.

He stated that the proposal is intended to ensure more balanced political representation, noting that electing members across different political affiliations would be more beneficial than concentrating overwhelming power within one party.

The President emphasised that the decision was made in the national interest rather than for political gain, while dismissing opposition claims against the proposal.

He added that the move would encourage greater voter participation and contribute to eradicating corruption and consolidating democracy, as the country prepares to hold Local Council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections and a public referendum tomorrow.