Article 4 of the Constitution of the Maldives stipulates that
all the powers of the State of the Maldives are derived
from the citizens and remain with the citizens. The power
to elect representatives through elections ensure that the
powers of the state do remain with the citizens. Direct and
elected representatives at island and community level will
help improve local governance and the democratic system.
The purpose of this position paper is to bring to the
attention of the public and relevant institutions some of the
major systemic issues within the electoral framework and
advocate for changes to the system.