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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu holds up the signed amendments to the Decentralization Act . Photo: President’s Office

MALÉ: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today ratified amendments to the Decentralization Act, granting the Cabinet authority to reclaim resources, land, and immovable property currently owned by island and city councils.

The legislation, submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboubakuru representing the Thulhaadhoo constituency, was passed by the parliament’s government supermajority last Wednesday before being officially published on the President’s Office portal today.

Under the newly enacted law, the Cabinet holds the power to seize any council resource or real estate asset located within a council’s jurisdiction. In cases where a council or third-party investor has developed the property, reasonable financial compensation must be provided according to regulations to be established by the Local Government Authority (LGA).

Before reclaiming any property, the ministry requesting the asset must publish relevant details, consult the affected council, and provide a 14-day public notice period for local residents to submit grievances. However, final decision-making power regarding those objections remains exclusively with the Cabinet following a ministerial proposal.

Key legal provisions and political background include:

• Executive Seizure Power: Authorizes the Cabinet to take back council-controlled land, buildings, and physical assets.

• Compensation Rules: Mandates fair financial compensation for councils or third-party investors who have invested in the property, adhering to LGA guidelines.

• Public Notice Window: Grants a 14-day period for local residents and councils to file objections before the Cabinet makes a final determination.

• Sponsoring MP: Bill introduced by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboubakuru (Thulhaadhoo Constituency).

• Political Context: Follows recent local council election results where the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured majority seats across key cities and major island councils.