Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has raised concerns over the role of the Local Government Authority (LGA), following a meeting between the party's Decentralization Committee and the authority on Thursday.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, former MP Ali Niyaz said the discussions focused on two main issues: the dissolution of the atoll councils and the transfer of land previously owned by Faafu Atoll Council.

Niyaz questioned the rationale behind dissolving the atoll councils, saying the move was intended to reduce government expenditure. However, he argued that establishing LGA offices in atoll councils had undermined that objective by maintaining similar administrative costs.

He also expressed concern over allegations of political influence in the transfer of assets belonging to Faafu Atoll Council to a particular island council.

Niyaz said the LGA should not have grounds to justify the decisions and called for greater transparency in the authority's work.

He proposed that LGA meetings be broadcast live, arguing that decisions affecting local governance should be open to public scrutiny.

Niyaz said the MDP committee would hold further discussions with the LGA next week on additional issues, including the loss of the council president's seat in Vaavu Thinadhoo and matters relating to the decision to depopulate Haa Dhaalu Hirimaradhoo.