Muizz proposes dedicated ministry for councils

PPP-PNC presidential candidate Dr Mohamed Muizz has said that councils are the link between the public and the president, and proposed to establish a dedicated ministry for councils in his administration. 

Muizzu is currently traveling to Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal Atolls to campaign for the second round of the presidential election.

Speaking in HDh. Nolhivaranfaru Saturday evening, Muizz said that the current system does not give councils real power.

Muizz's solution was to create a separate ministry for councils in his government.

“I am talking about a separate system to directly empower councils, bring more flexibility to the way councils operate, help councils run and connect citizens to government,” he said.

"There will be a full-time minister. He will be the chairman of the LGA. He will not do anything else."

Although the Local Government Authority (LGA) is the guardian or assistant of the councils, Muizz said the LGA is not really empowered either.

Muizz said the three powers of state are separated, with the councils established to govern on behalf of the people come under the executive. He said the councils are the link between the people and the president and he proposes a system to run the councils more efficiently.

Before the introduction of decentralised system of governance, there was a separate ministry called the Atolls Ministry to look after the affairs of the atolls. The system was also criticised during the reform movement to bring democracy to Maldives. The LGA was formed to address the criticisms.