Atoll Councils' Abolition Sets Maldives Governance Back Half a Century, Say Leaders

Local councillors and mayors in the Maldives have expressed deep concern over the recent abolition of Atoll Councils, warning that it has set back governance by half a century. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, leaders including Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif, Vaavu Atoll Council President Shuja Ali, and B. Kihaadhoo Council President Hussain Shafiu criticized the government for making sweeping legal changes without adequate consultation. Shafiu referenced a National University study recommending the strengthening of Atoll Councils, emphasizing their significant benefits to smaller islands. Athif highlighted financial instability among island councils and alleged that the government’s changes aim to prevent financial independence. Azim pointed out that councils operate with just 5% of the state budget, accusing the government of wasteful spending and lack of transparency. The press conference underscored growing frustration among local leaders who believe the changes undermine decentralization and weaken service delivery at the island level.