MDP’s "Bodu Badhalu" policy passed with overwhelming congress majority
3 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 16:39Fayyaz Ismail has proposed significant constitutional reforms aimed at restructuring the system of governance, including the separation of the Head of State and Head of Government and requiring public consent for the removal of judges. Arguing that the current system grants excessive power to the executive, the proposal further seeks to empower constituents with the authority to recall Members of Parliament.
Fayyaz Ismail to propose "Major Change" resolution. | MDP Secretariat
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) congress has overwhelmingly approved a "Major Reform" policy paper proposed by former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, which advocates for significant constitutional amendments and structural changes to the governance system.
These proposals were submitted during the Saturday afternoon session of the congress by the party's former Chairperson and former Minister of Economic Development, Fayyaz Ismail. The resolution was seconded by Ilyas Labeeb, Co-Chair of the MDP Membership Committee and former Member of Parliament for the Hulhudhoo constituency.
Endorsed with a total of 520 votes, the primary objective of this resolution is to strengthen constitutional framework, reform the governance structure, and enhance public participation in the legislative process, while bolstering economic self-sufficiency. Among the most significant changes proposed in the resolution is the separation of the roles of Head of State and Head of Government, along with a revision of the procedures for appointing individuals to these positions.
Under this arrangement, while the head of government is to be elected through a direct popular vote, the head of state will be elected by a vote cast by the People’s Majlis and local councils.
Furthermore, a proposal has been submitted to require public consent for the removal of Supreme Court justices and members of independent commissions, aimed at curbing political influence over independent institutions and the judiciary. The proposal also includes measures to ensure better representation of atolls in the People’s Majlis and to empower constituents with the right to recall members of parliament through a public vote if their performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
Presenting the resolution to the Congress, Fayyaz stated that under the current system, executive powers have expanded significantly at the expense of the people's rights. He specifically noted that the government is utilizing its supermajority in Parliament to dismantle the constitutional system of checks and balances, asserting that the current governance structure must be reconsidered to ensure the protection of citizens' rights.
Fayyaz stated that while the Constitution mandates that all powers of the state originate from and remain with the people, the extent to which the public is represented and their voices are directly heard has now been significantly diminished.
