The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s councilors and women's development committee (WDC) members from the three northern atolls are gathering in Kulhudhuffushi today because the government is destroying the decentralization system and to call on the government to bring reforms, MDP's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has said.
This is the first time such a large event has been held since the MDP began operating as an opposition party after losing last year's presidential election.
The conference will be held in Kulhudhuffushi. A total of 80 people are participating, including MDP councilors and WDC members.
The conference is attended by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP leadership, Male' Mayor Adam Azim, Addu Mayor Ali Nizar, Fuvahmulah Mayor Ismail Rafeeg, Thinadhoo Mayor Saud Ali and Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif.
All five mayors belong to the MDP.
Fayyaz told Adhadhu that the purpose of the conference is to prevent the current People's National Congress (PNC) government from destroying the decentralization system.
"Decentralization has never been an ideal of the PPM and PNC. The way the government is acting now proves that," Fayyaz said.
A separate ministry was created to manage the councils, with the intention of centralization and laws are being changed in a way that contradicts the decentralization vision, he said.
Fayyaz said two topics will be discussed at today's conference. That is the challenges and the government's current actions. They will also discuss the financial affairs of the councils.
"After these things, we will reveal what we agree. We will call on the government to improve what needs to be done," Fayyaz said.
Similar conferences will be held in other parts of the country, he said.
