President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralised governance, expressing confidence that the forthcoming local council elections will strengthen municipal authorities and accelerate civic development nationwide.
In an address marking Decentralisation Day, the President stated that cooperation between local councils and the central government is helping to realise long-standing public aspirations for modernisation and improved services. He noted that the Maldives’ geography as a chain of dispersed islands has historically required decentralised service delivery, adding that the current constitutional framework provides expanded opportunities to strengthen the system.
The President highlighted reforms introduced over the past two years, including the creation of new revenue streams for councils, the formal recognition and strengthened status of Women’s Development Committees, and salary adjustments for council employees. He also pointed to the construction of modern administrative facilities to enhance institutional capacity.
He further underscored the expansion of health, education and other essential services nationwide. Services such as local police presence, automated teller machines on every island, and the ability to process identification cards and passports within each atoll are now operational.
Looking ahead, President Muizzu pledged to prioritise the development of recreational parks and sports facilities, as well as the completion of water and sewerage networks across all inhabited islands. He noted that infrastructure projects, including road development and harbour expansion, are being implemented concurrently throughout the country.
The President stated that representatives have visited every island to gather public feedback, which is being incorporated into the formulation of the National Development Master Plan. He added that the government is working to implement long-term solutions to national concerns, including undocumented migration, drug trafficking and gang-related crime.
As the objectives of “Maldives 2.0” progress, he said the transition towards a “Digital Maldives” will expand opportunities for citizens to access services and generate income while remaining on their home islands.
Concluding his remarks, President Muizzu expressed hope that the upcoming local council elections would enable councils to carry out their statutory responsibilities more effectively and advance the nation’s development goals.