Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced the establishment of a special office named “Bodu Badhalu” (Big Change), an initiative proposed by the party’s chairperson, Mohamed Nasheed.

In a statement issued today, the MDP Secretariat said the office had been established at the party headquarters following a proposal by Nasheed and approval by the party’s National Council.

Former MDP chairperson Hassan Latheef has been appointed Director General of the office.

During a National Council meeting held last Monday, Nasheed said details of the office’s work programme would be shared with council members.

He outlined its primary responsibilities as organizing discussions, workshops, seminars and other engagements related to the party’s reform agenda.

“The main responsibility of the Bodu Badhalu Office will be to conduct discussions, workshops, seminars and relevant meetings,” Nasheed told the council.

The initiative is linked to Nasheed’s campaign during the recent MDP chairperson election, in which he advocated reforms to the country’s system of governance and supported the nomination of Mohamed Fayyaz Ismail as the party’s future presidential candidate.

One of the key proposals in the manifesto is the introduction of a mixed system of governance incorporating features commonly associated with parliamentary systems.

At a joint press conference held on 19 April to launch of his manifesto, Fayyaz outlined a model in which the roles of head of state and head of government would be separated.

Responding to questions from journalists on whether the proposal amounted to a parliamentary system, Fayyaz said it differed from traditional parliamentary systems because the head of state would continue to be elected by the public. He also described the Maldives’ current governance structure as a mixed system.