Fayyaz says ‘2 teams’ remain committed to delivering ‘Bodu Badhalu’

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said on Saturday that he and former President Mohamed Nasheed will continue working on the “Bodu Badhalu” initiative, responding to reports of differences between groups aligned with the two politicians.

The clarification came after reports that Fayyaz had left a WhatsApp group associated with the initiative, which was launched jointly by Nasheed and Fayyaz under the slogan “Bodu Badhalu”, or “Major Change”.

Fayyaz said he left the WhatsApp group about three weeks ago and that it was not an official group established for the initiative.

Before leaving, Fayyaz told members that the group appeared to have moved away from its original purpose and that internal issues were taking up much of the discussion.

He also said anyone seeking to contest the MDP's presidential primary would have the opportunity to do so and that those interested in running would come forward.

Questions over the relationship between the two groups have emerged as some politicians aligned with Nasheed have called for him to contest the MDP's presidential primary.

When the “Bodu Badhalu” initiative was launched, Nasheed publicly backed Fayyaz as a presidential candidate. However, some of Nasheed's allies have since urged the former president to seek the party's presidential ticket himself.

Responding to reports about his departure from the WhatsApp group, Fayyaz said on X that his work with Nasheed would continue.

“I would like to take this opportunity to assure MDP members and the general public who support and place hope in the ‘Bodu Badhalu’ manifesto. God willing, President Nasheed, myself, and our two teams will conclude our work only after delivering the major change that this nation so critically needs,” Fayyaz said.

Nasheed was elected MDP Chairperson after campaigning under the “Bodu Badhalu” platform. An office was subsequently established within the party to work on the initiative, headed by former MP Hassan Latheef.

The “Bodu Badhalu” proposals include changes to the system of government, including separating the roles of head of state and head of government.

Under the proposals, the head of government would be elected directly by the public and would be accountable to Parliament.

The President, serving as head of state, would instead be selected through a majority vote of elected representatives, including MPs and local councillors.