Fayyaz proposes split parliamentary elections, calls for wider debate

Former chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, said on Sunday that parliamentary elections should be divided into two phases rather than being held entirely alongside the presidential election.

A constitutional amendment submitted by Ibrahim Falah, the majority leader of the People’s National Congress, on behalf of the government proposes holding presidential and parliamentary elections together in 2028 and reducing the term of the current parliament.

In a post on X, Fayyaz said that combining the two elections has both benefits and drawbacks. He said the proposal should be discussed publicly and that alternatives should be presented alongside the option of merging the elections.

Fayyaz proposed changes to the parliamentary electoral system, including removing the requirement for one parliamentary constituency per 5,000 residents and instead electing members from each province.

He also proposed dividing parliamentary elections into two phases, with two-thirds of seats contested alongside the presidential election and the remaining seats contested midway through the presidential term.

Fayyaz said that if the objective is to reduce public spending, consideration should be given to holding presidential and local council elections together.

He questioned the decision to convene parliament during recess to propose constitutional amendments, stating that the process requires broader consultation.

Fayyaz, who has stated his intention to contest the next presidential election, said the public should be given the opportunity to debate proposals that affect political representation and governance.

He said he hoped President Mohamed Muizzu would allow more options to be presented for public consideration.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is aligned with Fayyaz within the MDP, has said he supports holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date.