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An amendment to the Decentralization Act has been submitted to Parliament allowing the Cabinet to remove land and properties from local council jurisdiction for government projects. Proposing independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru has faced previous accusations of sponsoring government-backed bills, while critics warn the bill centralizes municipal authority following opposition victories in recent local elections.
News Desk
MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, in a previously held parliament sitting - Photo: Majlis
An amendment to the Decentralization Act submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru seeks to grant the Cabinet authority to reclaim council-managed land for government development projects.
Independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, has introduced an amendment to the Decentralization Act in Parliament that significantly limits the jurisdiction of local councils over land and property.
While MP Hannan is not an official member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), critics and opposition figures have previously alleged that the administration utilizes independent lawmakers to sponsor government-backed legislative priorities.
Cabinet Power Over Land: Enables the Cabinet to remove land or property from a council’s jurisdiction for government development projects, regardless of other existing laws.
Reallocation Process: Once decided by the Cabinet, the Local Government Authority (LGA) will notify the council, automatically transferring full state authority over the site.
Handover Requirements: Mandates councils to hand over requested land for state development projects before physical plans for the island or city are formally approved.
Code of Conduct Rules: Amends council conduct guidelines to make supporting state projects mandatory while prohibiting actions that delay or block government initiatives without reasonable cause.
Under Article 56-1 of the existing Decentralization Act, the President retains authority to define council jurisdictions, which has previously been used to reassign islands and lagoons alongside financial compensation for existing investments. The proposed amendment expands this scope, giving the central executive broader powers to seize municipal assets.
The legislative effort follows local council elections held last April, where the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured majorities across all primary cities and major island councils. Observers note the proposed restrictions arrive as central authorities seek tighter control over regional development frameworks.
