Solih vows to repeal Decentralization Act changes

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated last night that the next Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration that comes to power will repeal the changes being brought to the Decentralization Act. 

Speaking at an MDP rally in AA. Bodufolhudhoo last night, Solih said that he has always strongly believed that true development can be brought to Maldives through a decentralized system. This cannot be achieved unless centralized power is let go of, and granting financial empowerment to island councils. 

Reflecting on MDP's earlier tenure, Solih noted that the decentralization framework was shaped through persistent hard work. 

He said that in drafting the Decentralization Act, councilors, ministries and the parliament had been consulted. 

He recalled facing resistance when initially presenting the draft to the cabinet, as some ministers believed it would hinder central governance. However, he asserted that, even then, he maintained that the Decentralization Act is key to the Maldives. 

Solih said that the results of having ratified the act is positive. He conceded that there may be some minor challenges to central governance, with the law perhaps not allowing the government to do everything they wish. He emphasized that the voices of the islands' residents and councils must be heard, and said that the system may not appeal to persons who did not wish to rule within a democratic system. 

"That is the issue we are facing today. Nevertheless, hopefully in 2028, this country will once again be led by an MDP administration. In that government, we will repeal all the changes that are being brought to the Decentralization Act now. We will return these powers to the councils," Solih asserted. 

Solih said that an MDP government would grant financial empowerment to the councils, and would also increase the grants issued to councils from the State budget.