This administration is dismantling Maldives' decentralization system: Musthafa

Legal expert Musthafa Hameed has stated that the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is dismantling the well-established decentralized system of governance in the Maldives.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Musthafa stated that the legislation ratified by President Muizzu, which allows for the reclamation of council lands, paves the way for the eventual abolition of elected island councilors and the reinstatement of appointed island chiefs to govern the islands.

Musthafa stated that during the remaining years of President Muizzu's term, the administration would dismantle the decentralization system entirely, stripping away all the benefits it currently provides to the citizens.

We initially warned that the move to abolish atoll councils was driven by an interest in seizing control of lagoons and islands. Now, the councils themselves are being dismantled. Under the guise of this legislation, the very positions of elected councillors will be eliminated, paving the way for the return of the old administrative system of government-appointed island chiefs. Even if these changes are implemented, they will completely destabilize the decentralized system. Within the next two years, the government will effectively strip away all the benefits and progress that the decentralization framework has provided to the citizens.

Musthafa Hameed

Musthafa noted that the current government system is shifting from a democracy to a kleptocracy. He stated that laws enacted under this system would not benefit the public, but would instead serve only the interests of the legislators themselves. He further asserted that the laws currently being drafted and ratified under President Muizzu’s initiative are being formulated with this specific intent.

In a kleptocratic system, every action is carried out under the guise of legality. When such laws are drafted, they are presented as being for the benefit of the people; however, the public never reaps the rewards. Instead, all advantages are funneled to the legislators and those in power. The legislation concerning council lands, along with several other laws, are prime examples of this practice.

Musthafa Hameed

Musthafa called on all councils to unite against this move and file a legal challenge to hold the government accountable. In addition to the councils, he also urged all citizens of the Maldives to join in public protests.

President Muizzu on Tuesday ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act, which governs the administrative divisions of the Maldives. The bill was passed during the 28th sitting of the second session of the 20th People’s Majlis, held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The amendment proposes to restrict the powers of local councils by granting the government the authority to reclaim land and properties currently under council jurisdiction. Consequently, the bill has sparked significant concern among the public and local authorities alike.

Despite a petition submitted to Parliament requesting that the bill be rejected, President Muizzu ratified the legislation on Tuesday without addressing public grievances. The amendment has officially come into effect as of Tuesday.