President of Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) Ahmed Shareef has stated holding the parliamentary elections and local council elections simultaneously is important, even if it means amending some articles of the constitution.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation, Ahmed Shareef said easier means must be determined for the state and the parties when holding elections. Shareef noted a huge amount of funds are needed to hold elections, adding it is vital to find ways to lower the financial burden on the state. He said if the two elections are held concurrently, it would also save the time and funds for the parties as well. He urged the parliamentary committee to consider to make the changes.
ECM has scheduled to hold the local council elections in April 2020.
Since 2008, with the adoption of the new constitution, Maldives have held presidential election, parliamentary elections and local council elections in consecutive years.