A public referendum has been scheduled to gather citizens’ views on holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections simultaneously. The primary objective of this proposed constitutional amendment is to resolve the political friction and deadlock that often arise when the opposition maintains control of the Parliament during the inauguration of a new administration. Under the current legal framework, the first six months of a new presidency coincide with the final term of the preceding Parliament, frequently leading to significant challenges in government accountability and the timely approval of the state budget.
Legal experts supporting this change highlight that synchronizing the two elections would likely increase voter turnout and reduce state expenditure. Statistics indicate that voter participation in Parliamentary elections is generally lower than in Presidential elections. However, some observers express concern that holding both elections on the same day might diminish the focus on parliamentary candidates, as national attention tends to gravitate toward the presidential race. Furthermore, some legal professionals argue that shortening the current parliamentary term to accommodate this change could be seen as infringing upon the five-year mandate granted by the people. Nevertheless, as this decision will be finalized through a direct public vote, many believe it represents a positive democratic reform.
