MDP seeks parliamentary system due to excessive number of leadership aspirants within the party: Pres. Muizzu
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his opposition to changing the Maldives' current presidential system, asserting that citizens prefer a unitary state that upholds national unity. Highlighting that the public has previously made a clear decision regarding the country's governance, the President noted that a parliamentary system risks frequent government instability. He further emphasized that despite the interests of a minority, transitioning to a system that could jeopardize national stability does not reflect the will of the people.
Nation Chat: President Muizzu to feature in Episode 2. | President's Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives' main opposition party, the MDP, is seeking to transition to a parliamentary system because the party has too many individuals aspiring to hold power.
Speaking on the second episode of the "Nation Chat" podcast produced by the state media outlet PSM on Thursday night, President Muizzu stated that he does not support changing the Maldives' current system of government.
In this regard, President Muizzu stated that Maldivians have already decided on their preferred system of governance and do not desire any system that could undermine the unity of the nation.
Referring to the 2007 constitutional referendum held to choose between a presidential and a parliamentary system, President Muizzu stated that the Maldivian people have already made a very clear decision regarding the country's system of governance.
"Maldivians wish to preserve these unique characteristics. I do not believe the people want to lose their unity and solidarity by introducing a different system. A small minority might support such a move simply because their party leaders have decided so," President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said.
Expressing his opposition to changing the current system of government, President Muizzu questioned whether this was the appropriate time for such a transition. He stated that while the Maldives is currently governed under a presidential system, the public is well aware of the potential consequences should a parliamentary system be introduced.
"A Prime Minister could change as often as once a year, and these changes occur without ever consulting the citizens. Then, the leadership is simply handed over to someone else. This is not the kind of system the people desired," President Muizzu said.
In his remarks, President Muizzu characterized a parliamentary system as one that could potentially compromise the nation's unity. He noted that given the Maldives' unique geography of scattered islands and its small population, the Maldivian people desire a system that ensures a unitary state—a requirement he believes is best met by a presidential system.
"Therefore, this system has been established in accordance with the will of the people. I believe this is exactly what the public desires," the President said.
