President’s proposal for councils: Pres, VP fulltime; remaining councilors parttime

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has elaborated on the reforms he proposed for the composition and election of local councils.

While addressing the people of GDh. Fiyoari on Tuesday night as part of his ongoing tour of Huvadhoo Atoll, the President noted that he had already expressed the idea of reducing the number of councils. However, he stressed that the changes will be made following consultation with the people. As such, he announced his decision to open the floor for public discussion on the composition and election of councils.

The President, citing one of the concerns surrounding reducing the number of councilors as the possible impact on democratic representation, affirmed his commitment to uphold democratic principles.

He elaborated the reforms he proposed, while emphasizing openness to alternative solutions.

In this regard, he suggested the current number of councilors could be retained, with the president and vice president assuming full-time roles, with the councilors receiving an allowance for each sitting. He described this as the practice in developed countries. As such, it would not affect democratic principles and values, he added.

The President also proposed alternative methods, such as joint candidacies and ideological partnerships, to ensure diverse representation in councils.

He suggested that the Women's Development Committee (WDC) could be restructured similarly, with the President and Vice President as full-time members, while the other members could be compensated "per sitting" for attending meetings. He assured that an amendment to the act would allow part-time councilors to receive the same pay status and allowances.

On the topic of City Councils, he recommended that the mayor and deputy mayor be elected as full-time members, with other members receiving allowances for each meeting attended.

The President expressed that if the public supports his proposals, a public debate would be organized to gather opinions. He encouraged citizens to think critically and submit their views, urging both technical and public discussions. He emphasized the need to find the most suitable solution.

He concluded his speech by reiterating that the government is conducting development works in consultation with the people, adding he wants to reach out to the people, listen to what they want, and move things forward in their way.