Maldives Foreign Minister Advocates Transition to Parliamentary System

  • Maldives
  • World
  • Politics
PUBLISHED 18 September 2023

The best type of government for the Maldives is a complex question, with a number of factors to consider, including the country's size, population, culture, and economic development. However, some of the most common types of government that are considered suitable for small island nations like the Maldives include parliamentary democracy, presidential republic, and semi-presidential republic.


The Maldives currently has a presidential republic system of government, with a directly elected president who serves as both head of state and head of government. However, there have been growing calls for a change to a parliamentary system in recent years, especially from former president Mohamed Nasheed and other prominent figures, such as former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid.


Proponents of a change to a parliamentary system argue that it would be more accountable to the people, better represent the country's diversity, and make it easier to amend the constitution. Opponents of a change argue that a parliamentary system would be too unstable for a small country like the Maldives and that a presidential system is better suited for a country with a diverse population.


Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to change the system of government in the Maldives is up to the Maldivian people. They will have the opportunity to vote on a new constitution in the future, which could include changes to the system of government