In a bold proposal during a parliamentary debate, Ibrahim Didi, MP for Feydhoo South, called for Atoll Council Presidents to be appointed directly by the President of the Maldives. This suggestion aligns with ongoing discussions regarding the government's bill to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act, which seeks to grant the President the authority to appoint the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the ACC.
Didi emphasized that there is little difference between the current voting process for ACC members and the potential presidential appointment of Atoll Council leaders. He argued that this method should extend to all significant commission heads, asserting that many current leaders act independently and fail to align with the government's objectives.
"I think not only the chairman of the commissions. Some people will be very angry with me for saying this. But the truth is that the chairman of the atoll councils should also be appointed by the President," Didi stated.
Reflecting on the historical context, Didi noted that when the Presidents previously appointed Atoll Chiefs and Katheebs, there was greater cohesion in governance, resulting in successful collaboration on development projects across the islands. He expressed that reinstating such a system would enhance the government's ability to implement initiatives effectively and ensure that Atoll Councils work more closely with national development goals.
The debate surrounding the ACC amendment and Didi's proposal has sparked discussions on the balance of power and the roles of independent institutions within the Maldivian government. As lawmakers continue to weigh the implications of these changes, the focus remains on how best to ensure accountability and effective governance in the Maldives.
Didi emphasized that there is little difference between the current voting process for ACC members and the potential presidential appointment of Atoll Council leaders. He argued that this method should extend to all significant commission heads, asserting that many current leaders act independently and fail to align with the government's objectives.
"I think not only the chairman of the commissions. Some people will be very angry with me for saying this. But the truth is that the chairman of the atoll councils should also be appointed by the President," Didi stated.
Reflecting on the historical context, Didi noted that when the Presidents previously appointed Atoll Chiefs and Katheebs, there was greater cohesion in governance, resulting in successful collaboration on development projects across the islands. He expressed that reinstating such a system would enhance the government's ability to implement initiatives effectively and ensure that Atoll Councils work more closely with national development goals.
The debate surrounding the ACC amendment and Didi's proposal has sparked discussions on the balance of power and the roles of independent institutions within the Maldivian government. As lawmakers continue to weigh the implications of these changes, the focus remains on how best to ensure accountability and effective governance in the Maldives.
