MDP expresses concern over undisclosed changes to decentralization Act ahead of local council elections

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today expressed concern that proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act have not been disclosed, even as the Local Council Elections are rapidly approaching.

In a statement released after a meeting with the Elections Commission (EC) yesterday, the MDP noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and government officials have been discussing plans to propose changes to the Parliament. These changes include altering the composition of councils, reducing the number of councilors, and abolishing Atoll Councils.

However, the MDP stated that even though the election date is drawing near, these changes have not yet been submitted to the Parliament, and while the party knows changes are planned, the specific details remain unclear.

The EC is preparing to hold the council elections on March 28, 2026, with candidate applications expected to open in January next year.

The MDP stated that the lack of transparency regarding the changes to the Decentralization system is creating significant difficulties for political parties and individuals intending to contest the election independently.

"Challenges such as having to re-select candidates or re-hold primaries due to subsequent changes after defining and conducting primaries in constituencies of cities, which are currently undefined, are mounting for this party," the MDP statement read.

The party claimed that when they raised these concerns with the EC yesterday, the commission revealed that the government had not informed the EC of the specific changes it intends to bring to the Decentralization system. Furthermore, the EC stated that it was not consulted on the draft bill intended to bring these changes to the Parliament.

The main opposition party believes this demonstrates that the government is fully utilizing its power to plan last-minute changes to the fundamental principles and structure of the decentralized system, such as electoral constituencies, council composition, and candidate requirements, in a bid to directly influence the outcome of the election.

Citing these reasons, the MDP expressed deep concern over the forthcoming council elections. The party called on the government to notify political parties and promptly disclose to the public any proposed changes to the electoral rules through the EC well in advance.