Male: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the public decides the governance system of the country, and if it has to be changed, the public must make the decision collectively.

While responding to a question raised by a reporter if he supports changing the governance system to a parliamentary system during a press conference held Tuesday, the president said that he does not wish to waste time on contemplating about changing the governance system.

“I came to this post with many pledges. I wish to spend my time on fulfilling those vows. I do not want to direct my mind and time on other things”, said President Solih.

The President further said the constitution was developed after extensive discussions based on the governance system that was decided by the public. He added that if the system is to be changed then again, the public's opinion has to be sought.

“Presidential system had already been decided, and it is the public that decided on the system. If it has to be changed at any point in time, it has to be done after seeking their opinion”, said the President.

The Speaker of Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed has been expressing his preference for a parliamentary system. Additionally, some parliament members of the main ruling party, Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) have also been expressing their support for the system.

A parliamentary system is a system of governance in which the prime minister who is approved by the parliament has the role of executive powers and implementing legislation approved by the parliament. In such a system, the president will be the head of the state while the prime minister will be head of the government, such as that of India. The Maldives currently has a presidential system of governance.

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