EC: At least MVR 130M will be saved by combining two elections

Elections Commission (EC)’s President Fuad Thaufeeg states at least MVR 130 million will be saved from the state budget if the presidential and parliamentary elections are combined.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to combine both elections to reduce state expenditure. This can only be achieved by amending the constitution.

EC members were summoned to a convening of the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee on Wednesday during which they were asked how much money can be saved by combining both elections. The query was put forth by South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain.

In response, EC’s President Fuad said he estimates MVR 130 million will be saved from the state budget if both elections are combined.

“[Expenses] can be reduced approximately by half when a lot of them are incurred concurrently,” he 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.

President Muizzu announced plans to combine the presidential and parliamentary elections during a rally held by ruling PNC on July 7^th. He proposes to shorten by ongoing parliamentary assembly’s term to 2028 and hold the presidential and parliamentary elections together that year.

A public referendum is required by the constitution in order to shorten the term of parliamentary assembly.