Dhuvaafaru Island, Raa Atoll

President Muizzu Declares 21 April as Government Holiday for Parliamentary Elections

President Mohamed Muizzu declared 21 April, the day of the parliamentary elections, a government holiday to facilitate voting. The announcement was made on Dhuvaafaru Island, Raa Atoll. Elections Commission Chairman Fuwad Thowfeek defended the Sunday polling date, a departure from tradition. The original date, 17 March, fell in Ramadan, but an opposition-led amendment to the elections law prohibited polls during Ramadan. President Muizzu ratified the bill, rescheduling the election. MDP criticized the decision, and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih insinuated presidential influence on the EC.