Combining two elections is a move to make it easier to seize control of two branches of government simultaneously through a single campaign expenditure: Eva

Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eva Abdulla has stated that the current administration's move to synchronize two elections is a strategic attempt to seize control of two branches of power simultaneously while minimizing campaign costs.

Speaking at a press conference titled "No to Referendum" on Sunday, Eva stated that the current administration's justification of cost-cutting to merge the two elections is an insult to the public. Eva further remarked that the government's claims of strengthening democracy are laughable.

Eva stated that if the government truly intends to reduce spending, anyone could point out numerous areas where costs could be cut. She noted that a list could easily be made, including the unchecked creation of political positions, embassy appointments, superficial "gilded" projects, and contracts awarded in name only.

Eva stated that cost-cutting measures should not begin with elections, as they are one of the most fundamental pillars of a democracy. She emphasized that elections represent the power held by the people. Consequently, she asserted that this public mandate should not be the first area targeted for expenditure reduction.

Eva stated that claiming this move is intended to strengthen democracy is an insult to democracy itself. She further remarked that the purported attempt to reduce state expenditure is merely a tactic to cut campaign costs for the ruling party and the President's party.

The objective here is to consolidate two branches of power in a single stroke by streamlining the campaign process. By merging the presidential and parliamentary elections into a single campaign, they are making it easier for the ruling party to seize control of both powers simultaneously. This move is designed to centralize the deployment of illicit resources—whether through the distribution of cash for votes, the promise of jobs, or the awarding of contracts—into one unified effort to secure dominance.

Former Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis, Eva Abdulla

Eva stated that reducing expenses for the ruling party does not equate to cutting the costs of governing the state. She reiterated that the government's true intention is to consolidate power over two branches of government more easily by financing a single campaign.

Eva stated that the upcoming referendum is of critical importance. She emphasized the necessity for the public to deliver a clear "no" to the government's attempts to deceive the citizens through this vote.