Nasheed, Fayyaz seek rights protection and debt controls

Former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Maldivian Democratic Party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail have launched a political initiative titled “Bodu Badhalu” aimed at constitutional and governance reform.

The initiative was presented during a meeting with residents of Maafannu held at Dandikoshee Jagaha on Sunday night.

Nasheed, who is contesting the upcoming MDP chairperson election, attended the event alongside Fayyaz.

Speaking at the gathering, Fayyaz said the main objective was to strengthen constitutional safeguards so that citizens’ rights could not be altered by successive governments.

He said Maldivians had gained more rights over the past two decades, but those protections remained vulnerable to political change.

“Every five years, we witness attempts to restrict or strip away these rights,” Fayyaz said.

He argued that the current system of separation of powers had not worked as intended, particularly when governments hold a parliamentary majority.

According to Fayyaz, Parliament has often failed to provide oversight when citizens face difficulties.

One proposal under the initiative is to revise constitutional provisions on civil rights with clearer wording to reduce conflicting interpretations.

Fayyaz said another proposal concerns national debt, suggesting that future debt limits should be approved not only by the People’s Majlis but also by a broader “Grand Assembly” including local councillors.

He said debt decisions affect all citizens and should involve wider representation.

The initiative also proposes legal limits on budget deficits after years of state budgets operating in deficit.

Other proposals announced at the meeting included:

Fayyaz said the proposals remain under discussion and would be developed further with party members ahead of the next presidential election.