Decentralisation

"No one is going to empower us": how the Maldives' only four-term councilwoman claimed real power

Fishermen call her for help. Female councilors seek her advice.

Isolate and manipulate: abolishing atoll councils fragments collective power

One island rewarded, another punished for dissent.

From seats to say: are political quotas for Maldivian women delivering real power?

Women hold 40 percent of council seats but zero presidencies.

"Take your project and leave": Kudafari's rare victory over central planning

But communities almost never defeat Malé's blueprints.

Government locks down local council powers in final year before 2026 elections

Island councils have blasted the government’s hypocritical undermining of their powers, as a bid for control during election years.

Surf wars: Maldives councils challenge tourism control of natural resources

Resorts no longer enjoy unrestricted access to dive sites and surf spots.

Dhigurah tourist fees ignite controversy as councils assert control over beaches

Tourist operators and councils clash over beach access.

Five percent of income pledged to local councils

President Solih also pledged to reserve a third of council seats for women.

Islands.mv web portal launched

The portal has tourist information for all local islands.

Need for new schools in Malé reignites decentralisation debate

The education minister denied plans to build 10 more schools in the capital after headlines to the contrary drew a backlash.

Ridicule and relief after president mistakenly proclaims island uninhabited

A decree issued on Thursday declaring Mundoo as uninhabited was rescinded later that night with the president’s office blaming incorrect information from the department of national registration and apologising to the island’s small population.

Parliament considers five-year terms for local councils

MP Ahmed Amir of the government-aligned Maldives Development Alliance proposed amending the constitution to increase the term of local councils from three to five years.

Defence minister Nazim faces no-confidence motion from LGA board

Southern atolls sign pact to defend decentralisation

Malé City Council close to shut-down after police confiscate documents and server system

Can decentralisation take root in the Maldives?

Maldives strategically unprepared for SEZs, argues former Finance Minister Inaz

MDP condemns restriction of powers of local councils

Goverment to amend Decentralisation Act

Government undermining decentralised administration, claims LGA vice chair