Suood says LGA atoll offices violate constitution
With newly elected council members sworn in on Sunday, the previous Atoll Councils were dissolved.
Former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood on Monday stated that the government’s decision to establish atoll offices under the Local Government Authority violates the Constitution.
The comments follow amendments to the Decentralisation Act introduced by the current administration, under which the administration of atolls is transferred to the LGA following the commencement of new council terms.
With newly elected council members sworn in on Sunday, the previous Atoll Councils were dissolved.
The amended law also places the management of administrative divisions and atolls within the responsibilities of the LGA.
Following the changes, President Mohamed Muizzu instructed the establishment of LGA offices in every atoll.
In a post shared on social media, Suood argued that the Constitution requires administrative divisions to be managed by representatives elected by residents of the respective atolls.
He stated that the government had violated Chapter 8 of the Constitution and called for legal action against those responsible.
“According to the Constitution, administrative divisions must be managed by members elected by the people of the atoll. Those who have violated the Constitution must be prosecuted,” Suood wrote.
A letter signed by Aishath Ikram and addressed to LGA Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal stated that employees previously working at Atoll Council offices would become employees of the LGA following the transition.
The government proceeded with the dissolution of Atoll Councils despite opposition from several councils.
During visits to islands by President Muizzu, some councils requested that the changes not be implemented.
Muizzu has previously stated that Atoll Councils were unnecessary and argued that they limited the government’s ability to carry out administrative functions.
