Ahmed Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and Member for Inguraidhoo constituency, has stated that holding the parliamentary elections alongside the presidential election, as proposed in the constitutional amendment, would save approximately MVR 80 million for the state budget.

Introducing the bill to amend the Constitution to shorten the term of the current 20th People’s Majlis, Falah noted that figures released by the Elections Commission (EC) to date indicate that conducting a parliamentary election costs between MVR 60 million and MVR 80 million.

Acknowledging the varying opinions expressed by political figures on social media regarding this amendment, Falah asserted that while members who prioritize personal interests might view this as a negative change, those who consider the national interest will recognize it as a beneficial reform.

Falah highlighted that this amendment would reduce the term of the current Majlis by six months, resulting in a loss of over MVR 400,000 in salary and allowances for each member. He emphasized that members supporting this decision are making a significant personal sacrifice for the greater good.

The bill specifies that elections to select members for the People’s Majlis shall be held concurrently with the presidential election conducted under Article 110 of the Constitution.

Furthermore, the amendment proposes that the term of the People’s Majlis shall be five years commencing from the first of December, and the Majlis shall be considered dissolved upon the expiration of this term. It also stipulates that the first session of the newly elected Majlis must be held on the first of December following the dissolution of the previous assembly.

If this constitutional amendment is passed, the term of the current 20th People’s Majlis will be shortened, concluding on December 1, 2028. Under the current constitutional provisions, the term of the 20th Majlis would otherwise have ended in 2029.