MDP submits bill to reinstate atoll councils

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to reinstate Atoll Councils.

The bill was introduced on Tuesday by Member of Parliament for Galolhu North Mohamed Ibrahim.

Atoll Councils are set to be abolished at the end of the current local government term under an amendment passed last year by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu.

In a letter to Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Mohamed Ibrahim stated that Article 230(a) of the Constitution provides for governance through a decentralised system. He argued that the dissolution of Atoll Councils affects that framework.

The proposal calls for the restoration of Atoll Councils to their previous status to maintain the decentralised system.

The submission also states that the decision to abolish Atoll Councils was taken without sufficient study and refers to a recent public vote on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. According to the results, 69 per cent voted against the proposal.

The MP stated that this result indicates a lack of public support for structural changes to governance.

Under the proposed amendment, the government would be required to submit related legislation within one month of enactment. This would include provisions for elections, as well as administrative and financial arrangements.

The bill states that Atoll Councils would be reintroduced during the next scheduled local council elections.

However, the current election cycle does not include Atoll Council seats. Newly elected councillors are scheduled to take office next month, with their term set to end in May 2031.

As a result, if the amendment is passed, Atoll Councils would be reinstated after the completion of the next council term.