Given the current situation in the Maldives, merging two elections would not be beneficial for citizens: Dr. Hassan Hameed

Dr. Hassan Hameed, the former Chancellor of the Maldives National University, has stated that combining the presidential and parliamentary elections would not be beneficial for the Maldivian people under the current circumstances.

Dr. Hassan made these remarks in a publication regarding the referendum scheduled to take place on April 4.

In this article, Dr. Hassan provides a detailed analysis of the potential risks to the public if elections are consolidated. Responding to the government's argument that reducing the frequency of elections would cut state expenditure and provide economic benefits, Dr. Hassan contended that such a move would distance the citizenry from both legislators and administrative authorities. He further noted that this could ultimately increase the likelihood of the country regressing toward authoritarian rule.

What if elections were held only once every 20 years? If such a change were implemented, most would argue that it is an undesirable approach. Critics would claim that democracy had ceased to exist and that the people had been stripped of their power. Furthermore, there would be concerns that the public would become alienated from legislators and administrators, ultimately steering the nation toward authoritarian rule.

Dr. Hassan Hameed

Dr. Hassan stated that while presidential elections focus on significant national issues, holding parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously would allow regional concerns and local solutions to overshadow the broader national discourse.

Presidential elections are centered on issues of national significance. In contrast, parliamentary and local council elections should focus on matters at the regional or atoll level. Combining these two types of elections would allow regional issues and their solutions to overshadow national concerns. This overlap would inevitably diminish the priority and focus that must be accorded to matters of national importance.

Dr. Hassan Hameed

He noted that under the Maldives' current system, holding two separate elections within a five-year cycle effectively compels both Members of Parliament and the President to indirectly face the electorate twice.

Dr. Hassan further stated that merging the two major elections would also restrict the avenues for holding the government accountable. He noted that, considering the current democratic culture in the Maldives, combining these elections is inconsistent with democratic principles. Furthermore, Dr. Hassan highlighted that such a merger would invariably provide an undue advantage to the incumbent administration.