Gov’t Could Save MVR 130 Million by Combining Elections, Says ECM 

Chairman of the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM), Fuad Thaufeeq announced that the state could save at least MVR 130 million by combining the presidential and parliamentary elections.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu proposed this measure to reduce state expenditure, a plan that necessitates constitutional amendments. During a session of the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee, ECM members were asked about potential savings by South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain.

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In response, Fuad Thaufeeq estimated that merging the elections could save MVR 130 million, noting that many expenses could be reduced by holding the elections concurrently.

The state spent over MVR 120 million on the parliamentary election and more than MVR 180 million on the presidential election and its run-off.

Muizzu announced the plan to combine the elections during a rally held by the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) on 7th July. He proposed shortening the current parliamentary assembly’s term to 2028 and holding the presidential and parliamentary elections together that year.

According to the constitution, a public referendum is required to shorten the term of the parliamentary assembly.