Local Government Minister Adam Shareef Umar has called for a second term for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a Local Government Authority (LGA) forum held on Saturday.

At the Rahveheenge Salla forum in Alif Alif Ukulhas island, Adam Shareef said ensuring a second term for Muizzu is essential to strengthen the decentralization system.

“If we want to strengthen the decentralization system in Maldives and maintain this tradition, I believe that we must elect President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for a second term,” he said.

Adam Shareef was speaking in front of 55 participants representing island councils at a forum on “Public Engagement in Local Governance” or shaping the work of councils with citizen participation.

British High Commissioner David Low, Deputy Head of South Asia Regional Department of the UK Government Camilla Sugden and Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pek Chuan Gan attended the forum.

Adam Shareef said he mentioned a second term for Muizzu at a meeting attended by councilors because councils work more closely with the people.

He stressed that reforms to the country and the decentralization system can be brought with the cooperation of councils.

Such forums are generally not platforms for politics and campaigning. Meanwhile, the government has faced criticism for limiting the powers of councils.