Opposition leader and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has called on President Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the newly passed amendment to the Decentralisation Act, warning that it strips local councils of key powers and undermines the country’s decentralised governance system.
The legislation, fast-tracked through Parliament in just two days with the support of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) majority, places sweeping restrictions on councils’ ability to carry out business activities, hire staff, lease land, and implement development projects, particularly during the final year of a council’s term. Fayyaz said the bill was passed without considering objections raised by 56 councils across the country.
“Fifty-six councils have already expressed their concerns and without any consideration, the Parliament passed it,” Fayyaz said. “Tonight, for the sake of this country, I call on President Muizzu not to ratify it and to think about it.”
He accused the president of instructing his party’s MPs to push the bill through hastily. “I know it was on the president’s orders and instructions in Parliament that it happened at such a fast pace,” he added.
The amendment prohibits councils from conducting business and mandates the closure of any existing business that violates this condition within three months. Councils will also be barred from charging rent on land allocated to service providers offering basic services.
The bill further gives the Ministry of Finance greater control over council finances, requiring compliance with financial regulations and submission of bank statements on demand. In addition, councils will be restricted from hiring staff, leasing land, or launching new development projects during their final year in office.
Fayyaz said that even if the president signs the bill into law, an MDP government would overturn the changes and give greater powers to councils. “When MDP returns to office, we will change this law and strengthen decentralisation,” he said, adding that the party will win the next election.