Resolution to reduce number of council seats open for public opinion

The People's Majlis has opened a public consultation on the resolution submitted by the ruling PNC to the Parliament to see what the public think about reducing the number of council members.

The amount of budgeting and money spent on each island for the council members have always been a topic of public debate. 

The resolution was moved by the PNC Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader, Baarashu Constituency Member Ibrahim Shujau. The parliament issued an announcement today opening the resolution for public comment. The opportunity is open until 12 noon in August Suggestions and comments should be sent in writing to the parliamentary office or by email to decentralization_committee@majlis.gov.mv.

The resolution tabled in parliament this month expressed concerns about the high cost of having at least five councilors in each island.

However, the opposition MDP has criticized the resolution. The party alleges that the government is trying to influence the state budget allocation to councils.

The size of local councils is now too large and the government will propose changes to the laws to reduce the number of councillors.