President Dr Mohamed Muizzu revealed plans to strategise governance to complement the nation's capacity. The President made the remarks while speaking at an event held at People's National Congress (PNC) House on Sunday night.
The President stated that several elections are conducted in the Maldives as part of its political governance system. Citing the high cost associated with holding elections, the President proposed conducting the presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, thereby reducing costs, improving benefits and convenience, and saving up to MVR 120 million, which could then be redirected towards improving essential services. The President, however, relayed that the changes can only be implemented through a public referendum and subsequent legislative amendments.
The President also advocated for streamlined governance structures. While acknowledging the importance of public representation, the President proposed a pragmatic approach to further reducing costs. He proposed reforms to address the people's needs and preferences better while reducing administrative costs, such as reducing the representation of smaller islands to a council membership of a president and vice president and additional members to complement population sizes in bigger islands. Additionally, city councils should adapt to larger populations by appointing additional members.
The President further stated that the administration intends to propose legislative amendments to reduce the maximum number of Parliament constituencies to 77, thereby reducing the number of Parliamentarians to that of the 17th Parliament. The President cited that this change would further decrease recurrent government expenditures.
The President stated that additional efforts would be made to reduce the membership of independent commissions and that the reforms would be implemented through legislative amendments.
Speaking at the event, the President expressed the need to reclaim misappropriated public funds and recover assets acquired through corrupt practices. The President also proposed plans to introduce an Asset Recovery Act in Parliament to demonstrate the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility and the well-being of its citizens.