The government is facing criticism after a bill was proposed to amend the Decentralization Act ahead of next year's local council elections.
The bill was submitted by Fuvahmulah South MP Ibrahim Hussain. It imposes restrictions on hiring permanent and contract staff, leasing land, lagoon and reef areas under the jurisdiction of the council and initiating unplanned development projects if councils have only one year left in their term.
"This time, the proposal is to stop the work of the councils one year before the elections. We will have no choice; we can't do anything. One year is a long duration," said Addu city mayor Ali Nizar.
He accused the ruling party of harassing local councils over the past 15 years and criticized President Mohamed Muizzu for threatening councils.
Nizar said the government has not done anything for the atolls in nearly two years and stressed the importance of financial freedom for the councils.
"Now, whatever work in Addu, is being done by the council only. Then we have to suddenly stop our work. This is a very difficult situation. It is very sad," he said.
He said the law was being changed ahead of the local council elections as the government's support was declining.
Meanwhile, Male' city mayor Adam Azim called on everyone to stand against the proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act.
"If this [the bill] is proposed with sincere intentions, will the government dare to stop implementing projects with 365 days approaching any election. Or not hiring people," Azim said in a post on X.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the government to withdraw the proposed amendments and stop destroying the decentralized system that empowers the people.
