Mauroof: Government attempting to strip councils of all powers except for birth and death registration

Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, has stated that since assuming office, this administration’s sole focus has been on restricting the constitutional rights of citizens and completely stripping local councils of their powers.

During Monday's Parliament sitting, members debated an amendment to the Decentralization Act, proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru.

The bill proposed by the member seeks to amend the Decentralization Act to allow the government to reclaim lands and areas under the jurisdiction of local councils. This provision would apply in instances where the government decides to remove such locations from a island or city's jurisdiction for the purpose of implementing national development projects.

During the debate on the bill, Mauroof expressed his concerns, noting that Article 4 of the Constitution stipulates that all powers of the Maldivian state emanate from the people and shall remain vested in them.

However, Mauroof stated that the current administration is continuously working to undermine the authority of the councils elected by the people.

This proposed amendment is unconstitutional, as it seeks to restrict the powers granted to councils under the Constitution and strip both the councils and the public of their constitutional authority. I contend that the government is deliberately using an independent member to dismantle the entire decentralization system. Since taking office, this administration has been working to undermine the system, and this latest change is a calculated move to shatter the remaining powers held by local councils. As a result of this amendment, all authority granted to councils under the current system will effectively come to an end. With these changes, the only function left for councils will be the registration of births and deaths. They will be rendered powerless to do anything else. This is a direct attempt to undermine the authority of the Constitution.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency

Mauroof stated that numerous citizens are expressing grave concerns regarding the bill today. Highlighting that a petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis calling for the bill's withdrawal, the member noted that more than 500 citizens have already signed the document.

Emphasizing the need for public opposition to the amendment, the member stated that the proposed changes would completely strip away the powers currently vested in both the citizens and local councils. The member repeatedly asserted that there is no longer any purpose in maintaining local councils, accusing the government of dismantling the decentralization system by consolidating all authority within the hands of cabinet ministers.