A resolution named "Bodhu Badhalu" (Big Change) has proposed amendments to the constitution to establish a special assembly endowed with the powers to amend the constitution and to elect and dismiss the head of state.
Stating that significant changes must be brought to the governance system of the Maldives, former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail have announced a reform roadmap under the name "Bodhu Badhalu."
To secure the MDP's support for these reforms, a resolution is scheduled to be submitted to the party's highest assembly, the congress, commencing tonight. Submitted by former Chairperson Fayyaz and supported by former Hulhudhoo Constituency Member Ilyas Labeeb, the resolution is scheduled to be debated and voted upon on Saturday afternoon.
The most notable feature of the resolution submitted with the support of former Hulhudhoo Constituency Member Ilyas Labeeb is the proposal to establish a special assembly equipped with special powers.
According to the resolution, since the degree to which citizens are represented in various state decisions and the direct acquisition of the public voice must increase manifold compared to the present, a special assembly comprising parliament and all elected councilors must be established.
Powers designated to the special assembly under "Bodhu Badhalu":
- Any amendments to the constitution must be passed by the special assembly.
- Making certain state decisions.
- Appointing and dismissing individuals to certain state positions.
- Appointing and dismissing the head of state.
- Appointing and dismissing members of the special commission formed to hold independent institutions accountable.
The resolution also highlights that this special assembly would not be a body that convenes frequently, but rather an unremunerated assembly that convenes when a task needs to be undertaken.
In addition to the special assembly, the resolution also proposes removing the responsibility of holding independent institutions accountable from the People's Majlis and establishing a special commission for that purpose.
The resolution stated that this change is important to ensure true independence for independent institutions and to create fully accountable commissions that command public trust. This commission would consist of members chosen from among the general public.
It has also been proposed to alter the jurisdiction and composition of the Judicial Service Commission to change the current arrangement whereby Supreme Court judges can be dismissed by the government through the influence of the People's Majlis.
A Two-Leader System
The most significant change presented in "Bodhu Badhalu" is altering the governance system. The presidential system currently operating in the Maldives would be entirely replaced, introducing a dual-executive system.
The resolution stated that because the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government, meshing the responsibilities of that position allows the President to exercise immense power over the entire state.
It was highlighted in the resolution that this must be changed by bringing modifications to the operational style of the state and government. Accordingly, it includes provisions to establish that the head of state and the head of government are two distinct positions filled by two different individuals.
"Bodhu Badhalu" proposes that the head of government be a person elected through a general public vote and dismissed by the People's Majlis, while the head of state would be a person appointed and dismissed by the special assembly.
Additionally, according to the resolution:
- Detailed re-enactment of constitutional articles.
- Stipulating that any constitutional amendment can only be brought through a direct public referendum.
- Providing citizens the opportunity to recall any elected state official during their elected term.
- Enabling citizens running for a local council to vote for candidates contesting the council of the electoral district where they reside, rather than the electoral district of their permanent address.
- Preventing the increase in the number of People's Majlis members and stipulating that members of parliament will be elected from atolls and cities.
- Allocating dedicated seats for women in parliament and structuring the legislature as a bicameral institution.
- Making the upper house an institution composed of individuals from various professions.
To implement the "Bodhu Badhalu" policy announced by former President Mohamed Nasheed in conjunction with the campaign for the MDP chairperson election alongside Fayyaz Ismail, a separate office has also been established within the party. The head of that office is former party chairperson Hassan Latheef.
