Gasim backs amendments to Decentralisation Act

Jumhooree Party (JP) leader and Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim has expressed support for the government’s amendments to the Decentralisation Act, which reduce certain powers granted to local councils.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the amendments last week amid criticism from opposition members and concerns raised by more than 80 councils.

In a post on X on Sunday, Gasim, who also represents the Maamigili constituency, said that since the Maldives is a unitary state, decentralisation should operate within the framework of such a system.

“I think the amendments to the Decentralisation Act are very important and much needed. I also believe, as President Mohamed Muizzu has said, that these amendments are necessary to strengthen the system,” Gasim said.

He argued that councils should not be able to create new posts or allocate land in ways that could be misused ahead of elections. He said allowing councils to expand positions beyond government budget allocations or initiate projects outside approved development plans risked undermining accountability.

The current councils’ term expires in May 2026, leaving about 10 months in office. Gasim said councillors must remain loyal to the vision of the unitary state as enshrined in the Constitution.

He also noted that restricting the ability of councils to establish local authority companies privately owned by residents would help protect community interests and local businesses.

“Therefore, the benefits of these reforms are largely for the people. There is no doubt that these reforms should be introduced to strengthen the decentralisation system, as President Muizzu has said,” Gasim said.