The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the primary opposition party in the Maldives, approved a comprehensive constitutional reform program during its fifth National Congress held from Oct. 1-3, 2026. The program, titled “Bodu Badhalu” or “Big Change,” was endorsed by 520 of the 563 delegates present and proposes fundamental shifts in the country’s governance structure.
The proposal was formally submitted by former Economic Development Minister Fayyaz Ismail. According to the text of the program, its aim is to address aspects of the 2008 constitution that it argues allow for excessive executive authority, particularly when a president is supported by a parliamentary majority.
The central component of the “Bodu Badhalu” program is the division of the executive branch into two distinct offices: a head of government and a head of state. Under the proposal, the head of government would be directly elected by the public and could be removed by a parliamentary vote. The head of state would be appointed by a special assembly of parliamentarians and elected local councilors.
Additional proposed reforms include:
Legislative Changes: Setting a fixed limit on the number of parliamentary seats, introducing preferential voting, reserving seats for women, and exploring the establishment of a bicameral legislative system.
Citizen Powers: Granting citizens the power to recall elected officials.
Judicial Oversight: Requiring a public referendum to approve the removal of a Supreme Court judge.
The congress also ratified internal changes to the MDP’s structure, eliminating the positions of party president and vice president. This consolidates leadership under the role of chairperson, a position held by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed.
Nasheed was elected party chairperson after rejoining the MDP in 2025, following a period in which he left the party to join The Democrats. His election was preceded by the resignation of Fayyaz Ismail from the chairperson role. Nasheed has since stated his support for Ismail’s potential presidential candidacy in 2028, while expressing interest in serving as head of state under the proposed new system.
Implementing the constitutional changes outlined in “Bodu Badhalu” faces procedural requirements. Constitutional amendments in the Maldives require approval by a three-quarters majority in parliament. Additionally, changes affecting the nature of presidential elections must be approved through a national referendum.
Currently, the ruling People’s National Congress holds a two-thirds supermajority in the parliament. The next parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2029. In a recent related event in April 2026, a constitutional reform proposal by current President Mohamed Muizzu to merge presidential and parliamentary elections was rejected by voters in a referendum.
