With his Administration now in its third year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that every day since taking office has been defined by a nation-first approach. He made these remarks at a rally held by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) last night.
Reflecting on the Government's decisions thus far, the President acknowledged that while many have not been popular, each was taken in the genuine interest of the nation. He cited the generational ban on vaping and tobacco use, designed to protect those born on or after 1 January 2007, as a prime example.
The President also took the opportunity to clear up confusion regarding the upcoming local elections, confirming that male voters are fully eligible to cast ballots for candidates in the Women's Development Committees (WDC). He noted that the question itself highlighted a significant need for greater public awareness about the voting process.
He explained that with two elections and a referendum being held on the same day, voters will receive three separate ballot papers: one for the local council, one for the WDC, and a third asking whether the two elections should be held on the same day in the future. To ensure a smooth and organised process, each ballot will have its own dedicated box.
Regarding the proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously, the President outlined the national rationale behind the move. He argued that the current arrangement, where the two polls are held roughly six months apart, serves no benefit to the nation and often creates an uneven playing field. He pointed out that a newly elected government can often ride a wave of momentum into the parliamentary race, making it difficult for other parties to compete fairly. This, he noted, undermines the conditions needed for a free and fair election, which is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.
The President emphasised that the parliamentary election must be made truly free and fair, noting that this is fundamental to electing members who can genuinely hold the government to account. He argued that holding both elections on the same day would result in members from across different parties being elected alongside the President, producing a more balanced parliament with broader representation.
He further asserted that a concurrent arrangement would ensure members are elected on the day of highest voter turnout and enable accountability to function in its truest sense, adding that the current super-majority system can only realistically be dismantled through this approach. To demonstrate that the Government's focus is on the national good rather than partisan advantage, the President noted that his Administration is prepared to give up the additional six months that sitting members would otherwise be entitled to, a concession he said no previous government had been willing to make.
