President of the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) Fuwad Thaufeeq has stated that the government's plan to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections is a good idea and will boost voter turnout.
Speaking to PSM News, Fuwad mentioned that necessary legal amendments are underway to hold these major elections simultaneously. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu highlighted that conducting the elections separately incurs significantly higher costs for the state and suggested that merging them would benefit the public.
Fuwad emphasised the importance of holding the elections together, noting that the short interval between them increases state expenses and strains ECM employees, political parties, candidates, and voters. He views this move as important given the current financial situation in the Maldives. He also said that combining the elections would reduce costs and time, and streamline the awareness and development of the electoral process.
Furthermore, Fuwad mentioned that holding the elections together could save approximately 45% of the election costs. He stated that the average cost for a single election is USD 7.8 million, while separate presidential and parliamentary elections cost USD 19 million. Combined, the total cost would not exceed USD 8 million.
Moreover, Fuwad believes that combining the elections will increase voter turnout. Currently, presidential elections see an average turnout of 90%, while parliamentary elections see 80%. He pointed out that while it is easier to recruit officials for the presidential elections, there are challenges in doing so for the parliamentary elections. He also said that combining the two would address such difficulties.
ECM stated the decision to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections will be made through a public referendum.