President ratifies bill allowing seizure of council lands, disregarding public concerns and petitions

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act, which governs the administration of the Maldives' administrative divisions.

The bill was passed during the 28th sitting of the second session of the 20th People’s Majlis, held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

While the government maintains that the purpose of this amendment is to establish a legal framework to ensure full cooperation from councils for the swift implementation of development projects and to streamline procedures for land acquisition, the bill has notably drawn significant public concern.

However, according to the President's Office, this amendment will strengthen the procedures for designating land required for state projects. The President's Office defended the bill—which critics argue undermines the decentralization system—by stating that it outlines specific procedures national authorities must follow before removing any land from the jurisdiction of local councils.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the government will establish Integrated Service Centers within administrative divisions to facilitate the provision of services by national agencies through local councils. The President's Office also noted that under the 19th amendment, all assets and resources previously owned or managed by atoll councils—which had been transferred to the Local Government Authority (LGA) under the 17th amendment—will now be transferred to the Ministry of Finance.

The President has ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act, which governs the administrative divisions of the Maldives. The amendment has now come into effect following its publication in the Government Gazette.

The bill was introduced to curtail the powers of local councils and grant the government the authority to seize land and properties within council jurisdictions. Consequently, the legislation has sparked significant concern among the public and local authorities alike. A petition submitted to Parliament highlights that these amendments would strip elected councilors of their mandate, effectively transferring their powers to the Cabinet. Furthermore, the petition notes that the proposed changes would allow for punitive measures to be taken against elected representatives on the grounds of opposing or failing to cooperate with Cabinet decisions.

Expressing their concern over the matter, several councils have issued statements and resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the amendment.