News Desk
Former Elections Commissioner Fuwad Thowfeek — widely regarded as one of the most prominent and outspoken figures to have led the commission — has expressed support for the government’s plan to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. He went further, saying presidential, parliamentary and local council elections should ideally be conducted together.
Speaking in an interview with MMTV, Fuwad said the entire country would benefit from synchronising the elections. He noted that many countries with presidential systems already follow this model.
Fuwad argued that the six‑month gap between the presidential and parliamentary elections creates a period of political tension.
“The six months between the two elections have now become six months of bickering. Six months of insulting the government. The two elections should be held on the same day to solve the problem because the government does not get the cooperation of the Majlis,” he said.
He added that the idea had been informally discussed during the previous MDP administration. However, he said the proposal was abandoned once the MDP secured a super‑majority in parliament. Even then, he had advised that holding the elections together would make governance easier for future administrations.
Fuwad also noted that when an opposition‑controlled parliament confronts the government during the period between the two elections, it often results in delays or obstruction of development projects. He reiterated that the most effective solution is to hold the two elections on the same day.
