President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said Sunday, April 21 will be declared a public holiday to facilitate Parliamentary election.

Following Elections Commission (EC)'s announcement to hold elections on Sunday, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih accused the current administration of making things difficult for the public by holding election on a work day.

President Dr. Muizzu, who is currently on a two-day visit to Atoll and B. Atoll, said at a meeting held to meet the people of Dhuvaafaru today that the Election Commission had stated that the parliamentary elections were held on April 21 due to the amendment to the Elections Act passed by the Parliament. President Dr. Muizzu said he found out from the press that April 21 falls on a Sunday.

He said there were allegations that the day of parliamentary elections has not been made a non-official holiday to prevent people from casting their votes, but even if the opposition accused him of doing so, it was not true.

"The Elections Commission has stated that this is the earliest the election can be held. Parliament passed a law to hold elections 10 days after Ramadan. It falls on a Sunday and EC made the decision without consulting with me. As such, I have decided Sunday will be a public holiday," President Dr. Muizzu said.

President Dr. Muizzu denied rumours that the administration will not declare the day a holiday in order to influence vote.

While the President has decided to declare the day a public holiday, the Election Commission has submitted a request to the President's Office to close the day on Sunday, April 21 and Monday, April 22.