Gov offices to be closed April 21-22 for Majlis elections

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared April 21 – the day of the parliamentary elections – and the day after – as a public holiday.

The President’s Office announced the decision on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by the President’s Office, the decision was made following an appeal made by the Elections Commission (EC) to make the polling day a public holiday due to the significant involvement of government employees and the general public in various election-related activities.

The commission also asked for the day after, April 22, to be designated as a public holiday due to numerous significant tasks such as vote counting, result announcements, and other election-related activities.

The parliamentary elections was originally scheduled for March 17 – which falls within the first week of Ramadan. But in February, the main opposition MDP, which holds a majority in the Parliament – pushed through legislature banning national elections in Ramadan.

According to the legislature, if an election date falls within Ramadan, it must be held 10 days after Ramadan ends.

Following the passage of the bill, the EC decided the election would be held on April 21. But the new election date - a Sunday - instead of during the weekend – when national elections are usually held – sparked criticism. MDP went so far as to suggest the decision was influenced by the government.

However, Fuad Thaufeeq, the chairman of EC, said that that the election was being held on April 21 because it is “the first day we get after taking 10 days after Ramadan.”

He said that delaying it any further could risk not being able to elect the next parliamentary assembly at least one month before the term of the incumbent assembly expires, as required by law.

The EC subsequently requested the president to declare April 21-22 a public holiday.