The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration had ill intentions when it created the decentralization system in 2010, and it is because of this very reason that the system needs urgent reform, said lawmakers from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on Monday, as they voiced support for the incumbent administration’s plans to downsize local councils.
On Monday morning, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, a senior lawmaker from the PNC, presented a parliamentary resolution seeking the opinion of fellow lawmakers regarding the Decentralization Act, the various amendments made to the Act over the course of the last 15 years, and the challenges and issues with decentralized administration.
Taking part in the debate, South Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi (IB), a lawmaker from PNC, said that he believes in the importance of empowering the people. But he questioned whether the current Decentralization Act actually truly empowers the people.
South Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi. (Photo/People's Majlis)
Speaking about his home city of Addu, where the MDP holds a majority in the council, IB alleged that many local councils do nothing but create trouble for the government and do whatever they want.
“Call them whatever you want: a councilor, a kateeb [island chief], a mayor or even king – this system must accommodate provision of public service. This has issues,” he said.
Another PNC lawmaker, North Thinadhoo MP Saudulla Hilmy, alleged that MDP’s intention when it created the decentralization system in 2010 during its first administration had been to create a nuisance.
North Thinadhoo MP Saudhulla Hilmy, (File Photo/People's Majlis)
He said that the bulk of the work by councils are carried out by civil servants, while councilors remain idle. He said that while decentralization system is important, the system isn’t being run the right way.
“Councilors are there in name only. Except for in very few councils,” he said.
PNC’s deputy parliamentary group leader Shujau, who submitted the resolution, said that the current decentralization system lacks fairness. He said that while the Male’ City Council can hire people to positions such as legal officer, such positions are not there in the salary structure of councils in local islands.
He said that this is discriminatory.
Shujau said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was well-versed in the decentralization system given his prior role as Male’ City mayor, and knows very well the changes needed to improve the system.
He said that everyone must set aside politics and consider national interests in this.
Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau. (Photo/People's Majlis)
President Muizzu has repeatedly said he wishes to downsize local councils. In May, he announced plans to push amendments to the Decentralization Act in order to downsize councils in islands with small populations.
He said he plans to amend the Decentralization Act in order to:
Elect three-member councils in islands with populations under 2,000 people, and five-member councils in islands with populations above 2,000 people.
Elect three-member women’s development committees in islands with populations under 2,000 people, and five-member women’s development committees in islands with populations above 2,000 people.
Have presidents of women’s development committees elected through a direct vote.
Cap the number of city councilors at the current level.
Increase women’s quota in councils from 33 percent to 40 percent.
He also announced plans to introduce a provision to the Decentralization Act to empower the Finance Ministry to ensure councils restrict spending from block grant to fulfilling their legal duties.
The changes are opposed by the MDP, who have accused the government of attempting to deprive the people of their power and concentrate all powers to the central government.