.svg)
An online petition supporting proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act has taken the lead on the parliamentary e-petition portal after gathering over 5,000 signatures.
News Desk
Parliament sitting held previously - Photo: Majlis
MALÉ: An e-petition submitted to the People’s Majlis supporting proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act has taken the lead as the most signed submission on the parliamentary portal, crossing 6,000 signatures.
Under parliamentary rules, e-petitions receiving at least 2,100 signatures—representing 0.5 percent of the voting population—are designated as special petitions. This status mandates priority review by relevant committees and dedicated debate on the floor of the Majlis.
The petition supports legislation introduced by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr. The bill seeks to enable the central government to reclaim land and properties managed by local councils when needed for state development projects.
Proponents emphasize that the legislation creates a structured framework to prevent delays in essential infrastructure work. Meanwhile, opposition figures have voiced concerns regarding council authority and claimed that public sector employees were under pressure to sign the petition.
The surge in signatures follows a recent parliamentary vote to amend Majlis Standing Orders. Lawmakers removed restrictions that previously barred multiple or opposing petitions on an issue already undergoing active review.
The rule change allowed the pro-government petition to formally proceed alongside an earlier filing submitted by social activist Midhuam Saud, which garnered over 2,300 signatures requesting the bill’s withdrawal. Both submissions will now be considered by the relevant parliamentary committees.
