Public Must Understand Decentralization’s Benefits to Defend It from Suppression: Niyaz

Former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé constituency and Chairperson of the 19th Parliament’s Decentralization Committee, Ali Niyaz, has stated that the public must become highly aware of the benefits of the decentralized system to dismantle the "shackles" being imposed by the current administration to subjugate the system.

Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special Independence Day coverage, Niyaz stated that the current administration appears focused on consolidating all state powers into the hands of a single individual.

He further alleged that, in addition to local councils, the government has seized control over the Parliament, the judiciary, and the media. He characterized these developments as a calculated effort by the administration to steer the Maldives toward authoritarian rule.

Referring to the government's ongoing efforts to seize power from the people, Niyaz stated that these actions are causing significant harm to the public.

Citing a university survey on decentralization, Niyaz stated that only 19 percent of the Maldivian population is well-informed about the system. Consequently, he emphasized that it is the responsibility of the MDP and all supporters of this framework to raise public awareness and clarify the significance and benefits of decentralization.

Familiarizing the public with this system is a responsibility that must be undertaken by the MDP, as well as all stakeholders working toward its advancement.

Ali Niyaz

Furthermore, Niyaz stated that the Maldivian people would not support President Muizzu's "centralization policy." He noted that the results of the most recent vote demonstrate that 70 percent of the population favors developing the Maldives through a decentralized system, ensuring that services are delivered closer to the people. He further emphasized that now that the public has experienced the benefits of decentralization, they will not vote for any other system.