The Maldives has officially rejected a government proposal to merge presidential and parliamentary elections as a cost-cutting measure.

Results from Saturday’s nationwide referendum, released by the Elections Commission on Sunday, showed an overwhelming 68.77% of voters opposed the plan.

The plebiscite saw a high turnout, with two-thirds of the 294,000-strong electorate participating.

President Mohamed Muizzu had championed the merger, arguing that holding the national elections simultaneously would save the archipelago approximately USD 8 million.

The plan would have required shortening the current legislature's term by five months to align with the September 2028 presidential vote.

In a further blow to the administration, a local council election held alongside the referendum resulted in a significant defeat for the President’s People's National Congress (PNC).

The main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), secured major victories in key councils, including the capital, Male, and the second-largest constituency, Addu.

"I respectfully accept the results of Saturday's elections," President Muizzu stated on X (formerly Twitter), while offering congratulations to the winners of the local polls.

The push for electoral consolidation came as the Maldives continues to navigate a complex financial landscape.

After rejecting an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout in 2024, the government implemented aggressive spending cuts, including a 50% reduction in the President’s own salary.

Despite these pressures, the government maintains that its financial strains are temporary and insists it has no plans to seek further external assistance.

Source: AFP