Even if an election were held today, Mayor Athif would secure more votes than Dr. Muizzu: Niyaz

Former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency, Ali Niyaz, has stated that President Dr. Muizzu holds no authority over the leadership of Kulhudhuffushi City. Niyaz further asserted that if an election were held today, the city's Mayor, Mohamed Athif, would secure more votes than the President.

Niyaz made these remarks during a ceremony held simultaneously in Male' and Kulhudhuffushi City on Tuesday night to launch "Viyafaariah Fahi". This initiative is a key pillar of the manifesto being developed for the upcoming local council elections.

Speaking at a gathering held on Tuesday night, Niyaz stated that although significant development projects were not carried out in Kulhudhuffushi City over the past two years, the efforts of the Mayor and the residents to sustain and stabilize the city's economy represent a major achievement within the framework of the decentralization system.

Niyaz stated that the city has already proven its ability to operate independently without relying on the central government. He further noted that re-electing Mayor Athif for the upcoming term would ensure the city's development continues at a rapid pace.

Niyaz further asserted that President Dr. Muizzu has obstructed the decentralized development of Kulhuduffushi City by stalling its development plan following the 16th amendment to the Decentralization Act.

Furthermore, Niyaz highlighted that the Constitution mandates a decentralized system of governance for the islands. He noted that while the Maldives must maintain a presidential system, its administration must be decentralized. He further emphasized that the Constitution explicitly stipulates that local governance under this decentralized framework must not be conducted by government-appointed officials.

Highlighting this point, Member Niyaz stated that the Constitution dictates that not even Dr. Muizzu can exercise direct authority over the head of Kulhuduffushi City.

I am certain that even if a vote were held today, Athif would secure more votes from this island than Dr. Muizzu. This is simply how our system is structured, operating on two distinct levels. On one hand, there is the President, elected by the people of the entire Maldives to lead the central government. On the other, there is the local leader, elected specifically by the residents of this island to manage their local affairs. This is the fundamental way our governance system functions.

Ali Niyaz, former MP.

The gatherings held Tuesday night in Kulhudhuffushi City and Male' were attended by MDP President Abdulla Shahid, interim Chairperson and Member of Parliament Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, and the mayors of Kulhudhuffushi, Male', and Thinadhoo cities. The events also saw participation from members of the People’s Majlis and the National Council, alongside candidates contesting the upcoming local council elections.