News Desk
People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has rejected claims that the upcoming referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day is connected to extending the presidential term.
Speaking at the launch of the “Greater Addu Vision”, Falah said the Constitution makes it clear that any change to the duration of a presidential or parliamentary term can only be decided directly by the people. He stressed that the current vote concerns only the timing of elections, not the length of any elected office.
Falah criticised the opposition MDP for framing the referendum as an attempt to prolong President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s term. He said the proposal is simply aimed at aligning the two elections, which he described as the most efficient and beneficial option for the country.
Highlighting the importance of the upcoming local council elections, Falah said councils play a central role in delivering development projects, especially in the islands. He noted that President Muizzu’s experience—having served in three major government positions—has shaped his commitment to strengthening decentralisation.
Falah said previous administrations had not given council elections the attention they deserved, but President Muizzu views them as essential to accelerating development nationwide. He added that the referendum and the council elections will be key to ensuring the government can implement its pledges effectively.
