Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has proposed a constitutional amendment to reverse the planned abolition of atoll councils at the end of the current term.

In a letter to Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP Mohamed said removing atoll councils which is a key part of the governance framework, would undermine the full decentralization envisioned in the constitution.

He argued that the decision to abolish the councils was introduced without sufficient study or public consultation, attributing the proposal to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Mohamed also pointed to the referendum on holding parliamentary and presidential elections together, noting that 68.74% voted against the proposal.

“This result shows that the people do not approve of the president’s proposals to change the system of governance in the Maldives,” he said, citing it as a reason to revisit the decision.

The amendment to abolish atoll councils was ratified on December 1 after being passed in parliament following a proposal by PNC MP Ibrahim Shujau.

Amendments to the Decentralization Act have reduced the number of councilors on smaller islands to three for populations under 2,000, and five for larger populations. The Malé City Council has been reduced to 16 members, while Fuvahmulah City Council will have eight members alongside the mayor.

Council members were elected under the revised structure in this month’s local council elections.