Will run for local council: Mayor Shifa

Malé City Mayor Shifa Mohamed has stated that she will be running in next year's local council elections.

While appearing on RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" program, Shifa noted that many works has been done to develop Male' city. She highlighted that the government has begun working on the Decentralisation act and other legislation, therefore, she wants to hold onto her post to participate in these works. Hence, she will be running in the upcoming local elections.

Shifa stated that she has many initiatives she wants to undertake for the development of Male' city such as establishing a Male City council administrative office and a Male City hall within the next two years.

In response to rumors of disagreements between city councilors, Shifa stated that disagreements are bound to occur in large groups of people but these disagreements to donot impede their work. She attributed the disagreements to competition between councilors aiming for the position of mayor in the upcoming local council elections.

In addition, Shifa clarified that the disagreement began with the issue of the number of stalls to be allowed in the Travellers Market but a decision will be made soon. She disclosed that most councilors agreed on decreasing the number of stall but she disagreed in order to provide more opportunities for Male' residents, however, she stated that she will go with the decision of the majority.

Highlighting the Decentralisation act, she noted that the previous government had caused major setbacks to the enforcement of the legislation.

According to Shifa, the citizens of Maldives need to decide if we have a weak mayoral system or a strong mayoral system. She further added that the Local Government Authority plays a huge role in creating regulations and enforcing them.