Shiyam says frequent elections affecting social harmony

Vice President of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam on Sunday said that the increase in election and campaign periods is affecting social harmony in the Maldives.

Parliament, where the PNC holds a supermajority, has passed a constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. Under the amendment, the current parliamentary term would end on 1 December 2028.

The Constitution requires that any change to the term of Parliament must be approved by a public referendum. As a result, President Mohamed Muizzu issued a decree on 16 February to hold a referendum on 4 April, the same day as the local council elections.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has opposed the proposal to merge the two elections, arguing that reducing the number of elections would limit opportunities for political engagement.

The PNC held a press conference on Sunday to respond to the MDP’s position and to announce the launch of its campaign in support of holding the two elections together.

Speaking at the press conference, Shiyam said elections held separately result in lower voter turnout, particularly for elections other than the presidential poll. He said holding the two main elections together would increase participation in parliamentary elections.

Shiyam said prolonged election cycles create challenges within communities and families, and affect social activities and development projects.

“Moving from one election to another does not address issues within families or communities. Prolonged campaigns affect social life and the delivery of government projects,” he said.

He also said frequent elections and campaigns pose challenges to public order and security, and can affect perceptions of governance.

PNC Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Falah said the proposal would not remove opportunities for the public to express views on the government during the presidential term.

Falah said that even if presidential and parliamentary elections are held together, local council elections would still take place mid-term, requiring the government to seek public support during that period.

“Whether parliamentary or council elections are held, the government does not change. However, the government must still face a major election in the middle of the term,” he said.

Falah added that public engagement should not be limited to election periods, noting that President Muizzu has visited islands across the Maldives and met residents outside of election campaigns.