Minister Adam Shareef says jobs are secure as parliament abolishes Atoll Councils

Minister of Local Governance Adam Shareef Umar has assured that employees’ positions and jobs will not be threatened even if the Atoll Councils are abolished under the government’s constitutional amendments.  

The assurance comes after Parliament passed the government’s proposal on Tuesday to amend the Constitution, the Local Council Election Act, and the Decentralization of Administrative Areas Act to abolish Atoll Councils ahead of next year’s local council elections. The amendment was passed with 75 votes in favour, including that of Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdullah, while 12 Members of Parliament from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against.  

Speaking at the launch of the Kaaf Forum on Friday, Minister Shareef dismissed concerns that employees would lose their jobs. He emphasized that “there is no fear of losing jobs and positions of employees even if the Atoll Councils are abolished,” according to state media reports.  

The minister further noted that the resolve of all councils should be to strengthen the decentralization system. He highlighted that the Green Constitution provides the foundation for ensuring decentralization, granting people the full power they deserve. However, he acknowledged that more work remains to further develop the system.  

Minister Shareef expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s cooperative relationship with councils, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing governance reforms.  

In addition to abolishing Atoll Councils, the amendments will also reduce the size of rural councils based on population, reshaping the structure of local governance across the Maldives.

The Kaaf Forum is a multi-day platform for dialogue and collaboration between councils and the central government, aimed at strengthening decentralization and improving local governance.  

 What Is the Kaaf Forum?

• Initiated by: Male' Atoll Council  

• Purpose: To foster dialogue between local councils and the Ministry of Local Governance  

• Focus Areas:  Strengthening the decentralization system; Reviewing governance reforms, including the abolition of Atoll Councils; Enhancing coordination between councils and ministries  

• Participants: Council members, ministry officials, and representatives from the Local Government Authority  

The forum serves as a consultative space to align local and national priorities, especially ahead of the 2026 local council elections