In a sweeping vision for a more empowered and efficient democracy, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has outlined a series of transformative constitutional reforms aimed at placing greater authority in the hands of Maldivian citizens. Speaking on the latest episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President emphasized that true public empowerment is achieved when the people themselves hold the power to remove elected officials from office.
“Our democracy must reflect the will of the people,” President Muizzu asserted, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that mechanisms are in place for citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
Streamlining Elections and Enhancing Representation
Central to the proposed reforms is the introduction of a preferential voting system for presidential elections. This change aims to eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming runoff rounds, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference and ensuring a majority-supported winner in a single round.
Additionally, President Muizzu has advocated for synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections, a move designed to bolster voter turnout and reduce electoral expenditures. This alignment is seen as a step towards a more cohesive and participatory democratic process.
Optimizing Parliamentary Structure
Addressing concerns over the expanding size of the People’s Majlis, the President proposed capping the number of Members of Parliament at 93. This initiative seeks to maintain a manageable and effective legislative body, ensuring that representation remains meaningful without becoming unwieldy.
Revitalizing Local Governance
In efforts to strengthen local governance, the President outlined plans to restructure Atoll Councils based on population size—allocating three members for populations under 2,000 and five members for those exceeding that number. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance and Planning will be tasked with monitoring council fund utilization to ensure resources are used effectively for community development.
Commitment to Public Consultation
Emphasizing transparency and inclusivity, President Muizzu reaffirmed that all major constitutional changes will undergo thorough public consultation and, where appropriate, be subjected to referenda. “No decision will be made unilaterally,” he stated, underscoring the administration’s dedication to participatory governance.
A Vision for the Future
These proposed reforms come on the heels of the President’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), securing a supermajority in the 2024 parliamentary elections. This electoral mandate provides the legislative support necessary to implement the envisioned changes, marking a significant step towards a more empowered and efficient democratic system in the Maldives.
As the nation stands on the cusp of these pivotal reforms, President Muizzu’s agenda reflects a commitment to enhancing democratic structures, ensuring that the voice of every Maldivian citizen is heard and respected in the governance of their country.
