President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated decentralisation of powers has opened several pathways for the development of atolls.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the morning show, Baajjaveri Hendhuneh, aired by Public Service Media (PSM)’s radio station, Dhivehiraajjeyge Adu. He participated in the show as a guest, on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of Dhivehiraajjeyge Adu.
Speaking on the show, President Solih said his administration has made significant strides in removing the centralized system of governance which has been practiced in the Maldives for so long. As such, he said successful projects have been conducted across the sectors of healthcare, transport, tourism and infrastructure development in the atolls, under the policy of decentralisation. He added the policy of decentralisation has opened many new pathways for atoll development.
Speaking further, the President highlighted the many obstacles and challenges which came in the way of establishing a decentralised system of governance in the Maldives. In this regard, the President noted Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had submitted over 800 amendments to the Clause on Decentralisation when the new Constitution was being drafted, all of which was rejected by the Parliament. He also noted just a single clause was included in the Constitution regarding decentralisation, when it was ratified in 2008.
However, President Solih said important efforts have been undertaken to improve and strengthen decentralisation in the Maldives over the years. He added the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of decentralising services, especially in the healthcare sector.