Combining two elections is not about cost-cutting at all, but a strategy to secure the 2028 election: Faisal
Naseem has asserted that the move to consolidate elections is driven by political gain rather than a genuine effort to reduce costs. Emphasizing that constitutional amendments should only be made through multi-party consultation, he noted that significant state savings could instead be achieved by reducing the number of political appointees and cutting government expenditure. Naseem further warned that altering the system to favor a specific group poses a serious threat to the nation's future.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is merging two elections under the guise of cost-cutting solely to secure a victory in the 2028 presidential election.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Naseem stated that any constitutional amendments must be reached through dialogue and consensus among all political parties. However, he noted that because the ruling party holds a supermajority, they are currently pushing through changes solely to suit their own interests.
Naseem stated that while the government claims to be consolidating the two elections as a cost-cutting measure, the true intention is to secure the 2028 presidential election by taking a shortcut for political convenience. He asserted that this move is not about fiscal responsibility, noting that if the government were genuinely concerned about expenses, there are numerous other areas where significant issues could be addressed.
This is not about expenditure at all. If we are to discuss spending, there is a great deal to be said. Reducing costs is an entirely different matter. There are numerous measures that can be taken, and it was initially stated that this would be an administration focused on fiscal restraint. That was the promise. However, when you combine the costs associated with the number of Members of Parliament, State Ministers, and Deputy Ministers, the total expenditure over these five years exceeds one billion. It is well over a billion. Therefore, if there is a genuine intent to cut costs, there are many actions that can be taken.Former Vice President Faisal Naseem
Naseem noted that while government revenue stood at 23 billion in 2019, it plummeted to 15 billion in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before rebounding in 2024. He emphasized that if there is a genuine commitment to reducing expenditure, there are several straightforward measures that can be taken.
He stated that the public must reflect deeply, particularly regarding electoral matters. He emphasized that this is not a matter that should be decided based on party affiliation, as it is directly linked to the future of the nation.
Naseem stated that having a system in place that allows any administration to act arbitrarily and with such ease is detrimental to the public. He noted that while flexible laws might provide convenience to whichever group holds power at a given time, it is very clear that such a framework does not benefit the citizens.
