Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has expressed readiness to hold all the elections collectively if required.
ECM welcomed the sentiments of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih spoken in favour of holding all the elections collectively. President of ECM Ahmed Shareef said the electoral body is ready if the laws are amended requiring three major elections to be held collectively, adding there are no challenges in conducting free and fair elections.
Noting two elections are to be held on April 4, Shareef said preparations are underway to arrange easier procedures. He said expenditure on elections from the state budget will decrease significantly if all the elections are held together.
Furthermore, the head of the electoral body highlighted all elections are held collectively in other developed countries, noting there is no reason it cannot be practiced in Maldives. Shareef said every election is a learning experience for the commission, stating the biggest priority is given to ensure all elections are free, fair and credible.
President Solih expressed the development of the country would get a boost if all the elections are held together. He said holding separate elections delay efforts of development, mentioning such delays can be avoided if parliamentary elections and local council elections are held together.
Currently, there is a gap of one year between the parliamentary elections and local council elections held in Maldives.