President: MDP’s push for system change driven by 'too many' with leadership aspirations

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is seeking to alter the country’s governance system due to a high number of individuals within the party with leadership aspirations.

The President’s remarks refers to the “Bodu Badhalu” manifesto announced during the MDP chairperson election, a joint initiative by MDP’s former chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former president Mohamed Nasheed, who was recently elected the party’s chairperson.

One of the most notable proposals in the manifesto is to designate the supreme head of state and the head of government as two different positions, structuring the system so that the head of government is accountable to Parliament, while the head of state remains the President.

Responding to a question regarding the matter during the state media’s ‘Nation Chat’ program, the President, without directly naming the MDP, said there are too many individuals within “their circle” who have leadership aspirations.

"Therefore, they feel the need to create senior positions for everyone. Perhaps a President, a Prime Minister, or they might even invent other titles. If it were possible, they would likely want to establish a King as well. This is the people we are talking about," the President said.

President Muizzu emphasized that the Maldivian people have already made a clear and decisive choice in favor of maintaining a presidential system. He added that citizens are fully aware of the potential risks associated with transitioning to a parliamentary system in the Maldives.

The President noted that even in some developed countries with parliamentary systems, political instability can occur, pointing out that the office of the Prime Minister may change as frequently as once a year in such systems.

He further described the Maldives’ current governance framework not as a purely presidential model, but rather as a “hybrid system” that combines presidential features with certain parliamentary elements.

Additionally, the President stated that the existing system reflects the will of the people. He expressed his view that the public does not support systemic changes that could undermine national unity.

However, the President acknowledged that, given the Maldives operates under a multi-party system, a small minority may support such reforms out of allegiance to particular party leadership.