The Parliamentary Committee on Decentralization has passed the government’s proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act, despite criticism from opposition lawmakers and local councils.
The amendment restricts the powers of local councils in the final year of their term. It bars them from hiring permanent or contract staff, leasing land or forests under their jurisdiction, and reviewing state funding—unless done in accordance with rules set by the Finance Ministry and the Local Government Authority (LGA).
The bill has drawn criticism from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and several councils, who argue it weakens local governance and undermines the spirit of decentralization. Calls for the bill's withdrawal were ignored, and the committee passed the amendment with no significant changes.
Opposition MDP MP Mohamed Shifaz voted against the bill, while government-aligned MPs, Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed, North Henveiru MP Ahmed Ifan, Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz, Gemanafushi MP Asadullah Shihab, and Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi, voted in favor.
The amendment restricts the powers of local councils in the final year of their term. It bars them from hiring permanent or contract staff, leasing land or forests under their jurisdiction, and reviewing state funding—unless done in accordance with rules set by the Finance Ministry and the Local Government Authority (LGA).
The bill has drawn criticism from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and several councils, who argue it weakens local governance and undermines the spirit of decentralization. Calls for the bill's withdrawal were ignored, and the committee passed the amendment with no significant changes.
Opposition MDP MP Mohamed Shifaz voted against the bill, while government-aligned MPs, Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed, North Henveiru MP Ahmed Ifan, Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz, Gemanafushi MP Asadullah Shihab, and Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi, voted in favor.
