Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives – Mayor Mohamed Athif has called for urgent revisions to the 16th amendment of the Decentralization Law, labeling it detrimental to local councils and disruptive to citizen services. The statement came during a meeting attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in Kulhudhuffushi on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Mayor Athif emphasized that the Maldives’ decentralized structure, with each island distinct in its geography and needs, requires localized governance to deliver effective services. He argued that centralizing services through a ministry in Malé contradicts public expectations and slows service delivery. “Councils believe this is neither the best nor the fastest way for citizens to receive services,” he stated.
The mayor expressed concern that the 16th amendment undermines councils’ ability to function effectively, potentially disrupting essential services. He noted that the Kulhudhuffushi City Council had conducted a detailed study on the bill and shared its concerns with the Decentralization Committee, Members of Parliament, the relevant minister, and the President’s Office before the amendment was passed. Despite these efforts, the concerns were ignored.
On behalf of Kulhudhuffushi’s residents, Mayor Athif urged President Muizzu to reverse the “bad changes” introduced by the amendment. He expressed optimism that the President would address the issue to restore effective local governance.
Mayor Athif emphasized that the Maldives’ decentralized structure, with each island distinct in its geography and needs, requires localized governance to deliver effective services. He argued that centralizing services through a ministry in Malé contradicts public expectations and slows service delivery. “Councils believe this is neither the best nor the fastest way for citizens to receive services,” he stated.
The mayor expressed concern that the 16th amendment undermines councils’ ability to function effectively, potentially disrupting essential services. He noted that the Kulhudhuffushi City Council had conducted a detailed study on the bill and shared its concerns with the Decentralization Committee, Members of Parliament, the relevant minister, and the President’s Office before the amendment was passed. Despite these efforts, the concerns were ignored.
On behalf of Kulhudhuffushi’s residents, Mayor Athif urged President Muizzu to reverse the “bad changes” introduced by the amendment. He expressed optimism that the President would address the issue to restore effective local governance.
