Solih says majority likely to reject election synchronisation

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that a majority of voters are likely to reject the proposal to synchronise parliamentary and presidential elections in the upcoming referendum.

The referendum is scheduled for the 4th of next month. It will determine public support for a constitutional amendment to align the two elections by shortening the current term of the People’s Majlis to December 1, 2028.

The amendment was passed by Parliament and forwarded for ratification on the 11th of last month.

Speaking at a campaign rally for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidates in Fuvahmulah on Friday, Solih said that based on his observations during visits to several islands, around 60 per cent of voters are expected to vote against the proposal.

Solih said that approving the change would affect the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable.

“In a democracy, opportunities for citizens to express their views must be maintained,” he said.

He questioned whether accountability could be ensured if the same political group holds both the presidency and a parliamentary majority.

“The only way to hold this government accountable is through the ballot. They are trying to stop that,” Solih said.

He also stated that the justification for the proposal as a cost-saving measure is not supported by current government spending.

Solih said governments hold significant authority and that such authority can be used in ways that affect the electoral process, including the allocation of jobs and funds and the timing of project announcements.

He urged the public to vote against the proposal, stating that it is necessary to maintain public participation in the democratic process.