Former President Mohamed Nasheed argues that Maldives' core problem lies in the presidential system, and not in its leaders.

Nasheed, who has persistently advocated for a parliamentary system, said in a post on X today that in his opinion, the presidential system is at the core of many wrongs in the country.

'It is not the fault of any particular leader,' he wrote.

He stated that he believes solutions will come to many issues if a parliamentary system and preferential voting is established.

Nasheed's comments in support of a preferential voting system come at a time when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appealed for parliament members' approval to establish such a system.

In a post on x on April 20, Nasheed supported a preferential voting system where voting is completed in a single round.

In yesterday's 14 hour press conference, President Muizzu also highlighted the changes he wishes to bring to the governing system in Maldives.

This includes:

1. Holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections together

2. Preferential voting system for Presidential election, finishing it in a single round

3. Beginning the presidential term on November 11

4. Cap the number of parliamentarians at 93, which is the current number of MPs in parliament

5. Introduce recall votes for all elected positions

6. Dissolve atoll councils. President Muizzu stated that having islands councils and atoll councils lead to atoll councils not having sufficient work to do, causing an increase in wasteful expenditure

Nasheed strongly advocated for a parliamentary system even when he was serving as Speaker of Parliament. This was also one of the key matters of contention between Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which finally led to Nasheed leaving Maldivian Democratic Party and forming breakaway party, The Democrats.