Dhonfanu Council President urges against ratifying amendments

Ahmed Irushad, President of the B. Dhonfanu Council, made a direct appeal to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, urging him not to ratify proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act.

Speaking at a public meeting in Dhonfanu on Wednesday, Irushad respectfully pleaded with the President, emphasizing the critical role of decentralized financial empowerment for Dhonfanu's development, even more so than a new council office building.

Irushad voiced significant concern over the Parliament's amendments, requesting that any changes that would diminish councils' revenue not be approved. This sentiment is echoed by many councils across the Maldives, who fear the reforms will financially weaken them and centralize their existing powers.

Recent changes to the Decentralisation Act stipulate that councils would receive revenue after state tax deductions, provided they are not delinquent in public service payments for over six months. Additionally, these amendments mandate that councils maintain bank accounts in accordance with Ministry of Finance procedures and submit statements upon request.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also opposes these reforms, alleging they are designed to restrict councils' authority and make them subservient to the central government.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament recently proposed extending the current session by a week to make substantial changes to the Decentralization Act. Sources within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) confirmed that the PNC parliamentary group had requested its members remain in Malé next week for this purpose. A PNC MP, while declining to elaborate, confirmed that the government is working on amendments to the Decentralization Act.

It is understood that these amendments are likely to reduce the number of councilors on each island, with mayors and council presidents to be elected from among the people's chosen councilors.