Yameen opposes MDP's proposed changes to system of governance

Former President Abdulla Yameen has said he does not support the "Major Reform" (Bodu Badhalu) to the system of governance proposed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), arguing that executive authority should not be divided between a President and Prime Minister.

Yameen made the remarks during an interview with Sanghu TV on Friday night to mark the 18th anniversary of the Constitution.

The Major Reform initiative, proposed by former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, seeks changes to the country's governance structure and has received the endorsement of the MDP.

Under the proposal, the positions of Head of State and Head of Government would be separated.

The Head of Government would be elected through a public vote and would be accountable to the People's Majlis. The Head of State, or President, would be appointed through a majority vote involving elected representatives, including members of Parliament and local councils.

Asked about the proposal, Yameen said he opposed changing the current system.

"I do not support it," Yameen said. "It is not a workable system. If there is a Prime Minister, there shouldn't be a President. If there is a President, there shouldn't be a Prime Minister. Executive power belongs in the hands of a single individual; it shouldn't be split between two people. Furthermore, I do not believe the Maldives is ready for a parliamentary system."

Yameen said some provisions of the Constitution may require amendments, but argued that there was no need to change the system of governance.

"[Former] President [Mohamed] Nasheed has always advocated for a parliamentary system — since the very beginning. So he is bringing up the topic once again. However, it is not a system I support," he said.

Yameen said he had previously supported a parliamentary system but changed his position after serving as a member of Parliament.

He claimed his experience in the People's Majlis had shown him the extent to which financial interests could influence parliamentary decisions, describing Parliament as a place where votes could be "put up for sale".

Yameen said the present state of Parliament had further reinforced his view that a parliamentary system would not serve the country's interests.

He argued that decisions involving national interests should not be subject to a system in which parliamentary votes could be influenced by financial considerations.

Yameen said he would support amendments to the Constitution in areas affecting the rights of citizens.

As an example, he referred to issues surrounding indefinite remand detention, known as Vaanuvaa, saying constitutional changes addressing such matters could be considered.

However, he reiterated that he would not support amendments that change the country's system of governance.