Government Denies MDP Request for Venue to Hold Congress
5 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:33The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed local councils to refrain from using public assets and resources to promote specific political ideologies, stating that such actions violate the Decentralization Act. Emphasizing that councils must provide services to all citizens equitably, the Authority further noted that utilizing council facilities for political activities undermines public confidence in the administrative system.
After the City Council had already granted permission for the MDP to hold its congress, the Local Government Authority (LGA) issued a formal letter to all city and island councils. | Raajjemv graphics
The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed local councils that lands and facilities registered under their jurisdiction for public services cannot be utilized to promote or advance the ideologies of specific political parties.
After the City Council granted permission for the MDP to hold its congress at their venue, the Local Government Authority (LGA) issued a formal directive to all city and island councils. In the letter signed by LGA CEO Mohamed Nimal and addressed to all mayors and council presidents, it was emphasized that council assets and resources are state-funded properties entrusted to them solely for the purpose of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities mandated under the Decentralization Act.
The Authority emphasized that Sections 131.1 through 131.5 of the Decentralization Act explicitly mandate that council assets and resources must be utilized equitably. Such resources must be accessible to all without discrimination based on an individual's or group's political affiliation or family ties.
The Local Government Authority (LGA) stated in its letter that promoting the ideology of any political party within council offices, their premises, or on lands registered under the council for public services is a violation of legal principles.
Furthermore, the Local Government Authority (LGA) stated that since council offices are essential hubs for public services, conducting political activities within such premises creates public unease and undermines confidence in the decentralized system.
Consequently, the Local Government Authority (LGA) has urged all councils to refrain from using council property and resources to promote specific political parties or for the benefit of particular individuals, and to ensure their actions remain consistent with the prescribed code of conduct for councillors.
The Local Government Authority (LGA) issued this directive following statements from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which claimed it was compelled to hold its 5th National Congress at the Male' City Council’s general services department from October 1 to 3 because the government had failed to provide an alternative venue.
The MDP stated that despite their requests for a government building to host the congress, the administration has failed to facilitate a venue.
