Past decentralisation efforts driven by emotions, this time it will be done responsibly: Minister

Changes brought to the decentralisation of Maldives during the past governments were influenced by emotions, but this administration's efforts towards decentralisation would be carried out responsibly, said Local Government Minister Adam Shareef today.

Speaking at the Decentralisation Committee of the Parliament, the minister said that some previous changes brought to the decentralisation system were influenced by emotions, but that this time it would cast the party system aside and instead, focus on the decentralisation system as a whole, making responsible changes.

"[When] changes [were] brought to this system, a specific amount was [set] when MDP came [on to power], another amount when PPM came on [to power]. MDP could not come to power for a second time despite changing the number. PPM also could not come onto power by playing with the numbers," he said.

He said that public consultation would be part of the process, following a study to be conducted by Maldives National University (MNU). The law will be amended based on the study's findings, the challenges faced by councils, and public concerns regarding the councils, he added.

The minister went on to say that a roadmap has been prepared to strengthen the entire decentralisation system, and detailed that it would be put up for public opinion within the next month or so.

“Over the next month, we are looking to visit as many atolls as possible as well as all cities, to find out the views of councils, WDCs of islands, local civil service employees and local public 'holhuashi' [common public gathering spots],” he said.

Among the necessary changes, Minister Shareef said that an important one is to further strengthen the system of holding councilors who violate the law accountable.

Last July, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the government's plans to reduce the number of island councilors and restructure the atoll councils.

This decision has been met with criticism from the opposition and the former ruling party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who claim that reducing the number of councillors is intended to "size" or exert dominance over the councils.