
PNC submits parliamentary resolution on reducing local councillors
The resolution also raised concerns that local councils have become platforms for political party activists.
The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has submitted a resolution to Parliament seeking the views of Members of Parliament on reducing the number of local council members.
The resolution was submitted on Monday by PNC Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader and Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau.
During the debate, concerns were raised about the financial implications of mandating a minimum of five councillors for each island. The resolution highlights questions over the effectiveness of the current decentralisation model and the costs incurred since its implementation.
Shujau noted that the Decentralisation Act has been amended 15 times in the past 15 years, and four rounds of council elections have taken place during this period. Thousands of councillors have been elected, with significant expenditure incurred. However, the resolution stated that the system has not brought noticeable improvements to administrative efficiency or local development.
The resolution also raised concerns that local councils have become platforms for political party activists and claimed that opposition councillors sometimes obstruct government development projects.
Shujau proposed a restructuring of the system, suggesting that instead of five full-time councillors per island, only one or two should be employed full-time, with the remaining councillors receiving sitting allowances. He stated that this approach could reduce costs and make space for professionals to contribute to local governance.
The PNC’s resolution follows previous remarks made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who has also expressed support for reducing the number of councillors. He had proposed a model with three councillors for islands with populations below 3,000.