Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim has expressed support for the recent amendments to the Decentralization Act, stating that the reforms are both timely and beneficial to the people.
In a statement, Gasim said the Constitution establishes the Maldives as a unitary state, and therefore, the Decentralization Act should be shaped within that framework without undermining the government’s structure. He added that while the Act marks its 14th anniversary, a “federal mindset” is emerging among some political groups, which he said goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Gasim stressed that the reforms aim to strengthen the system, noting that councils should not have unchecked authority to allocate land or expand staff beyond state budgets. He also highlighted that the current councils’ terms expire in May 2026, and until then, they must remain loyal to the principles of a unitary state.
He further pointed out that conditions have been placed on local authority companies to ensure their businesses do not conflict with private enterprises in their communities, which he said ultimately benefits the people.
The amendments were signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday. However, some local councils have voiced concerns that the changes curtail their powers.
In a statement, Gasim said the Constitution establishes the Maldives as a unitary state, and therefore, the Decentralization Act should be shaped within that framework without undermining the government’s structure. He added that while the Act marks its 14th anniversary, a “federal mindset” is emerging among some political groups, which he said goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Gasim stressed that the reforms aim to strengthen the system, noting that councils should not have unchecked authority to allocate land or expand staff beyond state budgets. He also highlighted that the current councils’ terms expire in May 2026, and until then, they must remain loyal to the principles of a unitary state.
He further pointed out that conditions have been placed on local authority companies to ensure their businesses do not conflict with private enterprises in their communities, which he said ultimately benefits the people.
The amendments were signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday. However, some local councils have voiced concerns that the changes curtail their powers.
