Maldives Island

Heyo

Badhalu

5 Regions. 1 Nation. Our Future.

Power closer to the people. Equal opportunities for every island. A stronger, fairer and united Maldives.

People First

Putting the needs of every community at the center of governance.

Equal Development

Balanced growth across all regions and islands.

Good Governance

Transparent, accountable and decentralized leadership.

Stronger Together

Uniting as one nation with respect for our diversity.

Sustainable Future

Building a resilient Maldives for generations to come.

Proposed Model

Draft Constitution

A proposed decentralised Semi-Presidential Republic model that ensures government accountable to the people, fair development across all regions, and protection of fundamental rights.

Preamble

"We, the people of the Maldives, affirming our Islamic identity, sovereignty, and unity as one nation of islands, committed to democracy, justice, and decentralised governance, do hereby establish this Constitution to ensure government accountable to the people, fair and balanced development across all regions, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and stability through shared and limited powers."

Chapter I

The State

The Maldives shall be a sovereign, democratic, decentralised republic. Sovereignty resides in the people and Islam shall be the religion of the State.

Articles Covered

1-4

Download Full Constitution
Dual Executive System

Proposed Government Structure

A Semi-Presidential system with balanced powers between the President, Prime Minister, and a bicameral Parliament representing all 5 autonomous regions.

Head of State

President

The President represents national unity and is directly elected by the people for a 5-year term (maximum two terms).

Election

Directly elected by the people for 5 years (Max 2 terms)

Powers

Conduct foreign affairs
Command the armed forces
Appoint key constitutional officials
Safeguard the Constitution

The President shall not exercise executive administrative control over day-to-day governance.

Head of Government

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister leads government policy and administration, elected by the lower house of Parliament.

Election

Elected by Parliament, Responsible to Parliament

Powers

Lead government policy
Manage administration
Appoint ministers
Present national budget

Parliament may remove the Prime Minister only through a constructive vote of no confidence (a successor must be elected simultaneously).

Balanced Powers

Key Principles

Unity in Diversity

Power Closer to the People

Fairness & Equality

Transparency & Accountability

Sustainable Development

Peace, Stability & Justice

5 Autonomous Regions

5 Regions. 1 Nation. Our Future.

A stronger Maldives is not built from one city, but from all its islands. The Semi-Presidential system brings power closer to the people with opportunities for every island.

Maldives Map showing all atolls

Regional Government Powers (5 Autonomous Regions)

Regional Assembly

Elected representatives from each of the 5 regions

Executive Authority

Regional government administration

Autonomy Protection

Powers cannot be reduced except by constitutional amendment

Regional Finance

Regions may collect taxes as defined by law

Fiscal System

1

National Revenue

Generated from all sources

2

Shared Revenue Model

Transparent formula-based sharing between Central Government and 5 Regions

3

Equalisation Fund

Ensures fair development across all regions and communities

Independent Institutions

Elections Commission

Free, Fair & Independent Elections

Anti-Corruption Commission

Promote Integrity & Fight Corruption Without Fear or Favor

Auditor General

Ensure Accountability & Transparency in Public Finance

These institutions shall operate independently and be protected from political control.

Our Vision

"A stronger Maldives is not built from one city, but from allits islands."

5 Regions. 1 Nation. Our Future.

Know Your Rights

Fundamental Rights & Freedoms

Chapter II of the proposed Constitution guarantees fundamental rights including equality, freedom of expression, association, voting rights, and due process for all citizens.

Freedom of Expression

Right to hold opinions, express thoughts, and share information freely.

Article 27

Freedom of Assembly

Right to peaceful assembly without prior permission from the state.

Article 32

Protection from Discrimination

Equal protection under the law regardless of race, color, sex, or religion.

Article 17

Right to Fair Trial

Access to courts and fair public hearing by an independent tribunal.

Article 42

Right to Vote

Every citizen over 18 has the right to vote in elections by secret ballot.

Article 26

Right to Work

Freedom to engage in any occupation, profession, or business.

Article 37

Right to Education

Free primary and secondary education for all citizens.

Article 36

Right to Health

Access to adequate and affordable healthcare services.

Article 23

Right to Housing

Adequate and affordable housing for every citizen.

Article 23

Right to Privacy

Protection of home, person, property, and correspondence.

Article 24

Rights Come with Responsibilities

While the Constitution guarantees these rights, it also establishes that rights may be limited only to the extent necessary in a democratic society. Citizens are expected to exercise their rights responsibly and respect the rights of others.

Your Responsibilities

Civic Duties & Responsibilities

Being a citizen of Maldives comes with responsibilities. These duties help maintain our democracy and build a stronger nation for future generations.

Uphold the Constitution

Respect and abide by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

Obey the Law

Follow the laws of the nation and encourage others to do the same.

Pay Taxes

Contribute to national development by paying taxes honestly and on time.

Defend the Nation

Be prepared to defend the country and its sovereignty when called upon.

Respect Others

Treat fellow citizens with dignity regardless of their background or beliefs.

Stay Informed

Keep updated on national affairs and participate in democratic processes.

Protect Environment

Preserve the natural environment and unique ecosystem of the Maldives.

Preserve Heritage

Protect and promote Maldivian culture, language, and national heritage.

A Citizen's Pledge

"As a citizen of the Republic of Maldives, I pledge to uphold the Constitution, respect the rights of my fellow citizens, participate in our democracy, and work towards the betterment of our nation and its people."
Your Voice Matters

Elections & Voting

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy. Learn about the different types of elections in the proposed system and how to exercise your right to vote.

Presidential Election

Every 5 years

Citizens directly elect the President as Head of State. The President represents national unity, conducts foreign affairs, commands the armed forces, and safeguards the Constitution. A candidate must receive more than 50% of votes to win; otherwise, a runoff is held.

Maldivian citizen born to Maldivian parents
At least 35 years old
Sunni Muslim
No criminal conviction in the past 5 years
Sound mind and not declared bankrupt

How to Vote

1

Register

Ensure you are in the voter registry

2

Verify

Check your assigned polling station

3

Arrive

Go to your polling station on election day

4

Identify

Present your national ID card

5

Vote

Mark your ballot in secret

6

Submit

Place ballot in the sealed box

Voter Eligibility: All Maldivian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to vote. Make sure to register before the deadline!

Independent Elections: The Elections Commission ensures free, fair, and independent elections without political interference.

Sign the Petition

Demand Constitutional Reform

Join thousands of Maldivians calling for a decentralised, democratic government that serves all islands equally. Your signature matters.

8,742 signatures
Goal: 10,000

Only 1,258 more signatures needed!

Add Your Signature

Adding your ID strengthens the petition's credibility

By signing, you agree that your name and island may be publicly displayed as a supporter of constitutional reform.

What We Demand

1

Establish a bicameral parliament with a People's Assembly and Regions Council

2

Create 5 autonomous regions with elected Regional Assemblies

3

Implement a Semi-Presidential system with clear separation of powers

4

Guarantee fiscal decentralisation with fair revenue sharing

5

Strengthen independent institutions for transparency and accountability

Recent Signers

A
Ahmed R.
Fuvahmulah
2 minutes ago
F
Fathimath M.
Addu City
5 minutes ago
I
Ibrahim S.
Kulhudhuffushi
8 minutes ago
A
Aishath N.
Male'
12 minutes ago
M
Mohamed H.
Thinadhoo
15 minutes ago

Spread the Word

Share this petition with your family, friends, and community. Every signature counts!

Join Our Movement

Become a Member

Join Heyo Badhalu and be part of the movement for a decentralised, democratic Maldives. Whether you're a student or professional, your voice matters.

1,240+

Student Members

580+

Professional Members

45+

Islands Represented

320+

Active Volunteers

Student Member
For students passionate about civic education and democratic reform

Benefits include:

  • Access to educational workshops and seminars
  • Student leadership training programs
  • Exclusive study materials on Maldivian governance
  • Network with fellow student advocates
  • Certificate of membership
  • Invitation to youth civic forums

Eligibility: Currently enrolled in school, college, or university

Professional Member
For working professionals committed to democratic governance

Benefits include:

  • Full access to all Heyo Badhalu resources
  • Professional development workshops
  • Policy discussion forums and roundtables
  • Opportunity to mentor student members
  • Priority registration for events
  • Voting rights in organizational matters
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Recognition on member directory

Eligibility: Working professionals, academics, or civic leaders

Student Registration
Fill in your details to join as a student member
Questions? Contact us at ask@heyobadhalu.org or WhatsApp
Test Your Knowledge

Heyo Badhalu Quiz

Test your understanding of the proposed decentralised government system. How well do you understand the new vision for Maldives?

Ready to Learn About the New System?

This quiz contains 10questions about the proposed decentralised Semi-Presidential system. Let's see how much you know!

10

Questions

~5

Minutes

Learn More

Resources & Downloads

Access educational materials, guides, and documents to deepen your understanding of the proposed decentralised government system.

Official Documents

Draft Constitution (Proposed Model)

PDF - 1.8 MB

Government System Infographic

PDF - 3.2 MB

Regional Powers Guide

PDF - 1.4 MB

Fiscal System Overview

PDF - 890 KB

Educational Videos

Understanding the Dual Executive

Video - 15 min

Bicameral Parliament Explained

Video - 12 min

5 Regions, 1 Nation

Video - 10 min

Decentralisation Benefits

Video - 8 min

Learning Guides

Heyo Badhalu - Complete Guide

Guide - 52 pages

Regional Government Handbook

Guide - 28 pages

Power Distribution Workbook

Guide - 18 pages

Civic Education for Students

Guide - 40 pages

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Semi-Presidential Republic?

A Semi-Presidential Republic combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. The President serves as Head of State (directly elected), while the Prime Minister serves as Head of Government and is accountable to Parliament.

Why 5 autonomous regions?

Dividing Maldives into 5 autonomous regions (Upper North, Lower North, Central, Upper South, Lower South) brings government closer to the people. Each region can address local needs while maintaining national unity.

What is a bicameral parliament?

A bicameral parliament has two houses. The People's Assembly (Lower House) represents population, while the Regions Council (Upper House) ensures equal representation for all 5 autonomous regions.

How does the Equalisation Fund work?

The Equalisation Fund redistributes national revenue to ensure fair development across all regions and communities, preventing any area from being left behind in national progress.

*Power to the People
*Decisions Closer to Home
*Opportunities for Every Island
*5 Regions. 1 Nation. Our Future.

Have questions about the proposed system?