Parliament has today accepted the motion submitted by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP for Baarah Ibrahim Shujau to seek members' views on decreasing local councilor numbers.

A three day long debate was held on this motion. While ruling PNC members expressed huge support for the motion, opposition MDP opposed it. MDP alleges that the government is attempting to destroy the decentralization system.

In today's vote on accepting the motion, 52 members voted in favour, while 11 voted against. The motion has hence been accepted and forwarded for committee review.

The motion states that many amongst the public are raising questions whether, at this time when State expenses are high and there is a need to economize, it is reasonable to elect a minimum of five councilors for each island because it is stipulated in the law.

Shujau said that the motion is being submitted due to this, to seek members' views on working with relevant government institutions to find a solution for the issue.

Shujau said that the Decentralization Act is one of the laws that have seen the highest number of amendments.

He said that over the past 15 years, four local council elections were held, electing thousands of councilors and resulting in the State having to spend billions. In spite of this, he said that no improvements to administration or development of islands have been seen as a result of the system.

"What we have seen is that this system has been shaped into one where senior activists from various political parties are elected as administrative heads across the country," the motion reads.

Over 900 councilors are elected to the 187 inhabited islands. Elections Commission is preparing to hold the next Local Council Elections in April next year.