Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has stated that the changes brought to the Decentralization Act are amendments in line with the principle stated in the Constitution that the Maldives is a unitary state. This bill has been passed by the People’s Majlis and ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Gasim said that since the Constitution states that the Maldives is a unitary state, the Decentralization Act should also be within those limits. He noted that no law should be made that conflicts with the powers of governing a unitary state.
Gasim has expressed support for these amendments, stating that they are necessary changes to strengthen the decentralized system as President Muizzu said. As an example, he said that there should not be an opportunity to distribute land in islands and hire a large number of employees for political purposes coinciding with local council elections, describing this as taking unfair advantage. Gasim said that these amendments would benefit the people, not the government.
Important changes brought to the Decentralization Act include:
- An amendment preventing Local Authority Companies from engaging in business activities carried out by private parties in that island.
- An amendment preventing Local Authority Companies from conducting businesses worth less than 10 million rufiyaa.
- Not charging rent to councils for land allocated for basic needs such as water and electricity.
- Councils paying taxes to the government from income-generating activities.
- Obtaining permission from the Finance Ministry and LGA for hiring employees and distributing land in the final year of councils.
The opposition MDP has raised its voice against these amendments. Many councils have also issued statements saying that these amendments will result in the loss of financial autonomy for councils.
