President Muizzu has stated that he believes that islands with populations of fewer than 3,000 people will require three councilors, while those with populations between 3,000 and 10,000 will need five councilors to operate efficiently.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that three councilors would be sufficient for an island with a population of less than 3,000.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology's 'Nares' portal and the second phase of Operation Kurangi at Dharubaaruge, Malé, President Muizzu highlighted the the need for changes to enhance the quality of services provided by local councils and added that relevant agencies are working to implement the necessary changes.
President Muizzu said that one of the changes would be reducing the number of councilors in local councils.
"I believe that electing three people in an island with a population of less than 3,000 would be sufficient," he said.
"A council president and two additional members. Among these, one member will serve as the female president, representing the female population, while another will be appointed as the youth president. In addition to the council president, one of the other two members will be elected as the council's vice president."
If regulations are amended, councils, women, and youth will participate in governance, President Muizzu added.
The President said he believes it would be ideal to have one councilor for every 3,000 people in Malé as well. For islands with populations between 3,000 and 10,000, he suggested that five councilors would be sufficient.
“If a significant portion of the budget allocated to [councils] is used to offer better and more equitable salaries to civil servants, I believe all council employees will be satisfied and deliver quality services,” he said.
However, these decisions will be made after thorough technical research, he said.
“By reducing the numbers, service provision can be improved,” he added.
“We need to strengthen our service delivery. We must be sincere, honest, and efficient in providing services; having too many is unnecessary to achieve this,” he stated.
President Muizzu announced that the number of councilors in Island Councils will be decreased and the compilation of Atoll Councils will be revised earlier this month. If implemented, these changes could save a significant portion of state expenditure, allowing funds to be redirected towards development, he said.
The President also said that the government has planned multiple efforts to empower councils, including allocating a percentage of tourism revenue to their budgets, which will be implemented soon.
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