B. Atoll council to protest in Malé against efforts to abolish atoll councils

Baa Atoll council has decided to protest against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to abolish atoll councils.

The Baa Atoll council passed a resolution to protest on the streets of the capital, Malé City against the abolition of atoll councils during a meeting held on August 28, inviting other islands of the atoll as well.

During the meeting, the council also decided to issue a statement calling for the People's Majlis to halt its efforts to abolish atoll councils, and to submit the matter to the Supreme Court as a constitutional issue.

During a recent tour of Alif Alif atoll, while speaking to the people of Mathiveri island, President Muizzu said that atoll councils serve no purpose and that every island council would testify to this.

As such, the president asserted that the Constitution would be amended to abolish atoll councils, and that a related bill would be submitted when parliament sittings resume.

Further, Muizzu stated that in the local council elections to be held early next year, people would not need to vote for atoll councils.

The president added that abolishing atoll councils would further empower the people, and that each island council would then work directly with the relevant government authorities.

He also said that an atoll council is not necessary for this purpose and that the current administration will work to empower the people, standing by their side.

In addition to abolishing atoll councils, the president said that a bill to reduce the size of councils would also be submitted in would also be submitted in the upcoming session of the Majlis.