20th Majlis is dismantling spirit of the Decentralization Act established by the 19th Parliament: MP Sameer
23 ޖުލައި 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 10:08The MDP Decentralization Committee has met with the Local Government Authority (LGA) to express concern over government efforts to centralize council powers. During the meeting, Thoddoo MP Sameer characterized the proposed legislative amendments as being driven by specific political agendas and asserted that the party would remain vigilant regarding the future of assets belonging to atoll councils.
Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer speaks during a meeting with members of the Local Government Authority (LGA) on Thursday. | RaajjeMV
The Member of Parliament for the Thoddoo constituency, Hussain Sameer, has stated that the 20th People’s Majlis is undermining the spirit of the Decentralization Act established by the 19th Parliament.
Members of the MDP's Decentralization Committee met with the Local Government Authority (LGA) on Thursday to express concern and hold discussions regarding recent legislative changes to the decentralization system and the current treatment of local councils.
Speaking to the media regarding the meeting, Member Sameer stated that the 20th People's Majlis is undermining the spirit of the Decentralization Act introduced by the 19th Majlis.
Highlighting that the government is amending laws to achieve specific political objectives, MP Sameer noted that similar trends are being observed in Addu City. He further characterized the government's actions as an attempt to centralize power, particularly because the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) currently holds the majority in local councils.
I raised that question with the Local Government Authority (LGA). As a member of this parliamentary committee, it became very clear to me that over a thousand pages of amendments had been proposed by both the LGA and various councils. However, the government has introduced these legislative changes to achieve specific objectives and serve a particular agenda.Hussain Sameer
Furthermore, Sameer stated that the MDP will always strive to decentralize powers in accordance with the people's will and provide services to island residents in the most effective manner.
MP Sameer stated that even if atoll councils are abolished, he would advocate for and oversee the establishment of robust regulations to govern the utilization of assets currently under their ownership.
