Having a president with immense prestige and dignity is not enough: Fayyaz

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that having a president with immense prestige and dignity is not enough, and that the size of the government must be reduced.

Speaking at the "Bodu Badhalu" campaign rally held in Fuvahmulah City on Saturday night, Fayyaz stated that the Maldives has undergone significant transformations since the ratification of the "Green Constitution."

However, he noted that whenever an administration other than the MDP takes office, the country descends into an environment of fear, leading to the erosion of hard-won rights. He further stated that this instability significantly impacts the people's financial well-being and overall prosperity.

Highlighting the necessity of addressing such issues, Fayyaz stated that the fundamental purpose of a political party is to find solutions to the challenges facing the public. He further noted that, given the current situation in the Maldives, political parties must now undertake significant efforts.

In this regard, he emphasized the need to safeguard existing rights while working to expand them further. Faiyaz added that the purpose of a political party is not merely to maintain an audit of the seats it holds.

Furthermore, Fayyaz stated that despite the establishment of a system based on the separation of powers, this separation does not exist in reality. He noted that while the Parliament is intended to advocate for the rights of the people and hold the government accountable, it currently functions as a body dedicated to protecting the government.

Fayyaz stated that power must be directly devolved to the people and that a significant transformation is necessary.

We believed that the most crucial step in securing the rights we fought for was establishing a system of separation of powers in the Maldives. While this has yielded some benefits, looking back today, it is clear that the core of our current challenges lies within this very system. The reality is that these three branches are not truly separate. Under the current framework, the party that assumes government often secures a significant supermajority in Parliament for various reasons. Once that majority is attained, the judiciary and independent institutions effectively fall under the control of the legislature. Independent institutions hold the vital responsibility of ensuring the state functions according to the Constitution, while the judiciary is tasked with upholding justice. Similarly, the Parliament is intended to be a body that protects the people and advocates for their rights. However, the reality we are witnessing in the Maldives—and indeed in some other democratic nations—is that the Parliament has instead become an entity dedicated to defending the government.

Former Chairperson of the MDP, Fayyaz Ismail

Addressing the government, Fayyaz stated that its size must be reduced, adding that it is not enough to simply have a President who holds immense power and prestige. Fayyaz emphasized that the presidency must evolve into a role focused on providing solutions to the challenges faced by the people.

Fayyaz stated that a president is an ordinary citizen, entrusted by the people to fulfill specific responsibilities within a set timeframe. However, he noted that upon assuming office, presidents often lose their sense of perspective, a trend he insists must change. He further emphasized the need to reform the system so that the ultimate decision-making power regarding national affairs remains with the people.

Fayyaz emphasized that the public's voice must be central to any constitutional amendments. He further stated that a grand assembly, including local councilors, should be established to ensure a more significant role for the people in the process.