Obstructing functions of local councils is a direct injustice to citizens; we are witnessing marginalization of islands and systematic erosion of their powers: Athif
7 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 11:55The Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi has criticized the decision to strip powers from the decentralized system and grant the Cabinet the authority to remove lands from council jurisdictions, describing it as a disservice to the public. He stated that transferring control over community lands to individuals with no connection to the islands is unacceptable.
Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, Mohamed Athif speaking at a rally. | Raajje MV
Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif has stated that obstructing the work of councils that hold the full confidence of the public is a direct and significant injustice to the citizens.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Mayor Athif stated that the public's confidence in local councils was clearly demonstrated in the most recent local council elections. He noted that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured a significant majority across all cities and most councils by a wide margin, asserting that this was a clear public mandate against the current government's policies.
Athif stated that the previous referendum yielded only about 30 percent support, and predicted that if a similar vote were held today, the government would receive only around 20 percent. He further noted that the government continues to make worsening mistakes with each passing day.
The public now places a high level of trust in local councils. They are well-informed about the administrative processes and recognize that council members are the closest representatives working on their behalf. Furthermore, citizens clearly understand the efforts exerted by councils even when government support is lacking, and they are fully aware that the councils do not obstruct any government projects.Mohamed Athif
Furthermore, Athif criticized the recent amendment to the Decentralization Act—introduced under the guise of facilitating development projects—noting that it grants the Cabinet the authority to remove lands from the jurisdiction of local councils. He emphasized that land-use plans are formulated through public consultation and expert guidance to reflect the aspirations of the community. Consequently, he stated that granting control over communal lands to a cabinet of ministers with no direct connection to the islands is unacceptable.
Athif stated that what is being witnessed today is a distressing trend, where the government is progressively working to marginalize the islands and strip away the powers granted to the citizens through the decentralization system.
