MDP Endorses Fayyaz’s “Bodu Badhalu” Governance Reform Paper as 5th National Congress Concludes

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has endorsed former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail’s ‘Bodu Badhalu’ (Major Change) policy paper, backing proposals for a significant restructuring of the Maldives’ system of governance.

 The policy paper was approved by 520 of the 563 delegates present at the party’s 5th National Congress.

At the centre of the proposal is a restructuring of the country’s executive system, including the separation of the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.

Under the proposed model, the Head of Government would be elected directly by voters, while the Head of State would be elected through a combined vote of Parliament and local councils. 

The framework also proposes additional safeguards intended to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and constitutional bodies, including requiring public approval for the removal of Supreme Court judges and members of independent commissions. 

Other measures include creating a mechanism for atoll representation in Parliament and introducing a recall process through which constituents could seek the removal of MPs who fail to fulfil their responsibilities.

Presenting the paper to the congress, Fayyaz argued that the current system should be reconsidered when the concentration of political power weakens constitutional checks and balances.

He pointed to the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s parliamentary supermajority as a primary factor behind the proposed reforms, arguing that the existing balance between state institutions had been undermined.

Alongside the “Bodu Badhalu” policy endorsement, an investment forum was conducted during the congress aimed at driving capital into development projects managed by local councils across the atolls. 

Delegates also passed a sweeping series of internal charter amendments to strengthen internal governance. Under these revised regulations, formal party factions have been explicitly prohibited, and local branches have been dissolved. 

Furthermore, appointed non-elected positions, such as seats previously held by deputy chairpersons and cabinet ministers, were removed from the National Council, and council members will no longer receive salaries or allowances directly from the party office. 

The amendments also introduce new transparency rules requiring a Special Electoral Committee to be established 10 days prior to internal election announcements, delegate information to be published on the MDP website 10 days in advance, a full post-election expenditure report within 30 days, and an annual salary framework approval every November.

The endorsement of the ‘Bodu Badhalu’ paper makes the proposed governance changes part of the MDP’s official policy platform, although implementing the reforms would ultimately require constitutional and legal amendments. 

Closing the multi-day event, MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed officially announced that elections for the party’s National Council will take place on Friday, 27 November 2026, marking the formal conclusion of the MDP’s 5th National Congress.