Parliament rejects MDP bill to retain atoll councils
The amendment was submitted last month by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim.
The People's Majlis on Monday rejected a constitutional amendment proposed by the Maldivian Democratic Party to retain Atoll Councils.
The proposal sought to prevent the dissolution of Atoll Councils, which is scheduled to take place following an amendment introduced by the ruling People's National Congress and ratified last year.
The amendment was submitted last month by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim.
During Monday’s sitting, members voted on whether to accept the bill for further consideration. The proposal was rejected, with 45 members voting against and eight members from the MDP voting in favour.
As a result, the bill was dismissed and was not sent to a committee.
The proposed amendment included provisions requiring the government to submit legislation within one month to enable arrangements for Atoll Council elections.
It also proposed that Atoll Councils be re-established during the next Local Council Elections.
In a letter to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Mohamed Ibrahim stated that Article 230(a) of the Constitution provides for governance through decentralisation.
He argued that dissolving Atoll Councils would affect that framework.
He also said the proposal aimed to restore Atoll Councils in line with decentralisation provisions.
Mohamed Ibrahim further stated that the decision to dissolve Atoll Councils appeared to be based on a policy direction of President Mohamed Muizzu rather than broader consultation.
He referred to a recent public vote in which 69 per cent rejected a proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections at the same time, stating that the outcome indicated public views on governance changes.
