Former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail has criticised the government’s proposal to merge elections, saying it would deprive the public of their power to decide the country’s affairs.
Writing on social media, Fayyaz said that while combining elections has pros and cons, the move is being pushed in the name of cost-cutting without any real reduction in government spending.
He also called for changes to the composition of Parliament, saying the current ratio of one MP per 5,000 people undermines its quality and accountability. Instead, he proposed electing MPs from larger constituencies to strengthen parliamentary independence.
Fayyaz suggested splitting parliamentary elections to improve checks and balances, with half of MPs elected alongside the presidential election and the rest midway through the presidential term. He added that combining presidential and council elections would be a better option if cost-cutting is the real aim.
Fayyaz also raised concerns over sudden constitutional amendments during Parliament’s recess, calling for wider public debate.
Writing on social media, Fayyaz said that while combining elections has pros and cons, the move is being pushed in the name of cost-cutting without any real reduction in government spending.
He also called for changes to the composition of Parliament, saying the current ratio of one MP per 5,000 people undermines its quality and accountability. Instead, he proposed electing MPs from larger constituencies to strengthen parliamentary independence.
Fayyaz suggested splitting parliamentary elections to improve checks and balances, with half of MPs elected alongside the presidential election and the rest midway through the presidential term. He added that combining presidential and council elections would be a better option if cost-cutting is the real aim.
Fayyaz also raised concerns over sudden constitutional amendments during Parliament’s recess, calling for wider public debate.
