Former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail have called for sweeping reforms to the country’s Constitution and governance structure, aiming to strengthen democratic accountability and separate key leadership roles.Speaking at a joint press conference titled “Bodu Badhalu” on Sunday, the two leaders outlined a vision to reshape the political system, enhance parliamentary oversight, and empower citizens in decision-making.
Central to their proposals is the creation of two distinct positions: a head of government, who would be directly accountable to Parliament, and a ceremonial yet influential supreme head of state, who would remain politically neutral. Fayyaz emphasised that the current presidential system often leaves room for power imbalances, particularly when one party dominates both the executive and legislature.
He argued for a head of state who could act as a guardian of constitutional values, speaking on national issues without partisan bias and protecting the sovereignty of the people. Under the plan, this position would be selected through a joint process involving local councils and Parliament.
The proposals also seek to introduce clearer constitutional language to safeguard democratic principles, preventing ambiguous interpretations that could undermine citizens’ rights. Additional measures include forming an independent oversight body to monitor key institutions, allowing the public to vote on the removal of Supreme Court judges, and enabling councils and Parliament to collaborate on major national decisions.
On parliamentary reforms, the leaders suggested increasing female representation and giving voters greater authority to recall elected members. They further advocated for more mechanisms of direct public participation, including the power to remove the supreme head of state through popular vote, responsible management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, and stronger enforcement of state agreements with private businesses.
Nasheed, who has long championed a shift toward a more parliamentary-style system, expressed his intention to once again contest for the MDP chairperson position. He voiced strong support for Fayyaz as a potential presidential candidate and indicated his own interest in taking up the role of supreme head of state if the reforms materialise.This latest push reflects ongoing discussions within the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) about modernising governance.
Nasheed has consistently advocated for systemic changes, including during the previous administration under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, where he reportedly discussed the possibility of serving as prime minister. The issue gained momentum but faced resistance from various quarters, eventually contributing to internal rifts within the MDP ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Those divisions led to the formation of The Democrats, a splinter group, which impacted the party’s performance at the polls. Recent months have seen efforts at reconciliation, with Nasheed rejoining the MDP fold and public statements from Solih acknowledging improved relations. However, both Nasheed and Solih have signalled interest in the party’s upcoming presidential ticket, setting the stage for potential competition.
Maldivians have long debated the effectiveness of the existing governance model in an island nation facing unique challenges—from climate vulnerability to economic pressures. Proponents of these reforms argue that clearer separation of powers and stronger checks and balances could foster more stable, inclusive, and accountable leadership for future generations. As the conversation intensifies, political observers will be watching closely to see how these ideas resonate within the MDP and across the broader Maldivian political landscape.
