Amendments to Decentralization Act are disappointing: Ex-President Gayoom

The government-proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act, which passed on Wednesday further handicap local government, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said.

The government on Tuesday proposed amendments to articles 62, 63, and 64 which concern the composition, appointment, and terms of members that sit at the Local Government Authority’s board of directors.

Prior to the amendments passing, the board consisted of a member from the capital’s city council, four elected representatives of atoll councils, a civil society organization member appointed by the parliament, a member of the general public – also appointed by the parliament, and a cabinet minister chosen by the president.

As per the amendments, the board will consist of the LGA’s CEO, a cabinet minister, a female official experienced in gender equality and similar work, an individual experienced in public administration, and another member from a civil society organization. These five members will be appointed by the president.

While all five board members will hold their seats for five years, their allowances and responsibilities will be set out by the president as well.