President blames PNC campaign gaps for referendum defeat

President Mohamed Muizzu has attributed the outcome of the recent public referendum on synchronising presidential and parliamentary elections to shortcomings in the campaign efforts of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

Speaking at a rally in AA. Rasdhoo on Saturday, the President said the result reflected a failure by party campaign teams to communicate the government’s position effectively to the public. The referendum, held alongside local council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections on April 4, resulted in a majority voting against the proposal to hold both elections simultaneously.

The President stated that a review of the outcome identified gaps in the campaign as a key factor. “The issue was clear. However, we failed to communicate it effectively. I am referring to our PNC teams. The work was not carried out properly on an issue that was otherwise straightforward,” he said.

He confirmed that the government would respect the decision of the public and that no changes would be made to the current electoral schedule.

The President also noted that the party must function in a coordinated manner when engaging with voters. He said the lack of emphasis on explaining the proposal allowed alternative narratives to influence public opinion.

“The matter ended in confusion because we failed to explain it properly. This is something to reflect upon and learn from,” he said.

Muizzu added that the government would not propose measures that would be harmful to the public and reiterated the importance of strengthening internal party structures to improve performance in future elections.

He called on party members to prepare for the PNC Congress scheduled for October, describing it as a key step in the party’s organisational development.

The President said the party must acknowledge both positive and negative outcomes from the recent elections. “While we secured wins in some areas, we also faced setbacks. I accept the results in full,” he said.