The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has asked the Local Government Authority (LGA) to stream all its board meetings live, following the government's restructuring of the decentralisation framework and the dissolution of atoll councils.
Members of MDP's decentralisation committee met with LGA leadership and raised two concerns: the abolition of atoll councils nationwide and the reclassification of Hirimaradhoo, an inhabited island, as uninhabited, which led to the dissolution of its council.
Speaking outside the LGA offices, former Hulhumalé MP Ali Niyaz said political influence was growing inside local government regulators.
"We strongly believe there is heavy political influence here, even if officials deny it. With new board members slated to take office soon, we are requesting that all LGA meetings be broadcast live so the public can maintain oversight." Ali Niyaz, former MP and chair of the parliamentary decentralisation committee
LGA officials called the proposal a good one, but have not decided on it.
