A major shift in the Maldives decentralization framework advanced today as the Parliament approved a constitutional amendment to remove atoll councils, a reform strongly endorsed by Jumhooree Party Leader and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim. The amendment, initiated by the PNC Parliamentary Group, restructures Articles 230 and 231 of the Constitution by eliminating all references to atoll councils. Seventy five of the eighty seven MPs who participated voted in favour of the bill.
In a statement on X, Qasim described the amendment as both timely and necessary, arguing that more than a decade of experience since the 2011 rollout of decentralization has demonstrated that atoll councils add an unnecessary administrative layer. He said the direct submission of decisions from island councils to relevant government authorities would speed up service delivery, reduce state spending, and improve overall efficiency.
Qasim noted that the creation of the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works in 2023 has further consolidated support services for councils, leaving atoll councils with no significant functional role in the decision making process of island or city councils. He said the reform reflects practical realities and the Maldives unique administrative structure.
Commending the PNC Parliamentary Group for tabling and securing passage of the amendment, Qasim pledged full support from himself and the Jumhooree Party for all measures that strengthen governance, streamline administrative processes, and reduce public expenditure. He said he expects President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to ratify the amendment swiftly.
Qasim thanked the President for his continued efforts to reinforce the decentralization system and said today’s vote marked an important milestone in modernizing local governance in the Maldives.
