Parliament rejects bill to restore Atoll Councils to previous status instead of abolition
The Parliament has rejected a bill proposed by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim with a majority of 45 votes, which sought to restore atoll councils to their previous structure to ensure the full implementation of the decentralized system mandated by the Constitution. The MP argued that the current framework undermines the constitutional vision for decentralization and necessitates these legislative changes to regain administrative effectiveness.
Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency. | People's Majlis
The People’s Majlis has rejected and dismissed a bill seeking to reinstate atoll councils to their former status. The proposed legislation aimed to facilitate the full decentralization system envisioned by the Constitution by preventing the dissolution of these administrative bodies.
The bill, introduced by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) during Monday’s parliamentary sitting, was rejected by a majority of 45 members. Only eight members voted in favor of accepting the bill.
Ibrahim stated that Article 230 (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives explicitly mandates that the administrative divisions of the Maldives must be governed in accordance with a decentralized system.
Ibrahim further stated that the decentralization of administrative divisions in the Maldives commenced under Article 230(b) of the Constitution and the special legislation enacted in 2010. He noted that this process involved the establishment of specific authorities, positions, and island, atoll, and city councils, with ongoing efforts to develop and strengthen the system.
However, Ibrahim stated that the current administration's decision to dissolve atoll councils—a vital component of the system—has undermined the framework envisioned by the Constitution. To restore the full decentralized system as intended by the Constitution, Ibrahim proposed an amendment to Article 230 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. This amendment seeks to reinstate atoll councils to their former status rather than abolishing them.
