Nasheed: Constitution difficult to implement due to Presidential system

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that challenges were posed in implementing the new constitution due to the practice of a presidential system in the Maldives when he took office in 2008.

Nasheed was speaking on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary since the ratification of the new constitution of Maldives which is in place today. The green constitution was passed by the special Majlis on June 26, 2008, and was ratified by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on August 7, 2008.

Nasheed, was elected as president the same year before being ousted in civil unrest that took over the capital in 2012, three years after taking office. 

Speaking in an interview with Wisham and Co law firm, Nasheed said that the green constitution was based on a parliamentary system. Nasheed has been a vocal supporter of a parliamentary system. However, a public referendum on the system of governance taken in the Maldives in 2007, showed that the majority of the country preferred a presidential system. 

“You would be aware, that MDP did not accept the results of that vote. When I had to implement the constitution in a presidential system, many challenges came forth. Because the constitution was originally not created for a presidential system.” Said Nasheed. 

Nasheed also requested media and journalists against reporting his words during the interview regarding the system of governance in the country, because it was an old and boring topic.

“However, some journalists believe that it’s a pitch of political conflicts. No, it is a boring and old topic that i always speak about.” Said the former President.

Nasheed, who is the current Speaker of the Parliament said that he did not prefer changing or amending the constitution quickly but rather intended to implement and perfect it by governing.

“However, I have always said, that the best form of governance is a parliamentary system.” Said Nasheed.