Separation of power for public hindered from combined elections: Fayyaz

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail on Monday evening, said the public will face challenges in separating the estate powers if the presidential and parliamentary elections are combined.

Fayyaz’s remarks comes not long after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced his administration will submit a constitutional amendment to facilitate a combined election in a bid to cut the state’s expenditure.

While speaking in a program broadcast on SanguTV, Fayyaz said the only system that works in favor of the public right now is democracy and public elections. He also added the parliament is responsible to hold the government accountable.

“So, the public may face challenges to check and balance their wins in a presidential election if both elections are combined,” Fayyaz said.

He said that the elections must be held for the public’s benefit even though it incurs state expenses.

Fayyaz, while highlighting that coalescing the state powers was unwise, said the parliament should remain as a separate power but added there was no issue in holding presidential and council elections together.

“That’s because council members will be working alongside the state executive power, and they are part of the state administration who are responsible with overseeing governance of the islands. But the parliament is responsible of holding these individuals accountable,” the MDP Chairperson added.

He also criticized six months being too short between the two elections, and suggested to keep a one-year gap in between – which Fayyaz said will give sufficient time for the public to evaluate the government.

Fayyaz also alleged the incumbent government misrepresented the number of political appointees until the parliamentary election concluded.

At ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) meeting on Monday evening, President Muizzu said the state incurred over MVR 120 million for the parliamentary election, and over MVR 180 million for the presidential election and its run-off.

Muizzu said the state will save close to MVR 120 million if both elections are held together.