Combining elections is being justified by cost reduction only because leaders want to minimize their interactions with public: Thoriq

Former State Minister for Heritage, Mohamed Thoriq, has stated that the argument for holding two elections simultaneously to reduce costs is merely a pretext to decrease the frequency with which leaders must engage with the public.

He made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program.

Thoriq, a former member of the Special People's Majlis, stated that the argument for holding two elections on the same day to reduce costs is merely an excuse to limit the President's direct engagement with the people. He further noted that when leaders visit islands, they are compelled to initiate development projects and fulfill the needs of the local communities.

He noted that holding both elections on the same day would reduce campaign expenditures and eliminate the need for repeated visits to the public.

There are viable ways to reduce expenditures, primarily by limiting the President's frequent travel to meet with citizens. If we are to consider genuine cost-cutting measures, reducing the expenses incurred from these constant trips would be a significant step. Furthermore, if official visits to the islands are curtailed, the pressure to initiate new projects in those locations would also decrease, allowing for a more manageable fiscal situation.

Mohamed Thoriq

Thoriq further stated that during the drafting stage of the Constitution, the discourse consistently centered on the principle of the separation of powers. He noted that the previous referendum on the system of government was conducted only after ensuring that the public had been adequately informed.

However, he noted that what is being witnessed today is merely an effort to impose the President's personal views upon the citizens.

The current level of corruption within the Elections Commission is such that they refuse to present any alternative to President Muizzu’s preferred outcome. In reality, however, it is the Commission’s responsibility to inform the public of both sides of the issue.

Mohamed Thoriq

Thoriq stated that the public desires development for their islands and expects the government of the day to deliver on their needs. He further noted that any reduction in expenditure should translate into an improved quality of life for the people; however, the cost of living continues to rise daily.