
Former Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Mohamed Shihab, has stated that holding presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently would not only increase voter participation but also significantly reduce state expenditure. He highlighted that the high frequency of separate elections tends to diminish public interest, a trend evidenced by the declining turnout rates in recent electoral cycles. Furthermore, Mr. Shihab emphasized that consolidating these elections is a strategic move that would enhance civic engagement and yield substantial national benefits, all while fully upholding the fundamental right to a free and independent vote.
