Local Councils Invited to Join Newly Established Association

Representatives from a group of atoll councils have invited island, city, and atoll councils to unite under the banner of the newly established Maldives Local Council Association (MLCA), aiming to advance the cause of decentralised governance.

Baa Atoll Council President Ahmed Afrah, addressing journalists at a press conference today, announced the MLCA’s official registration on April 29th and encouraged councils to enlist for membership.

advertisement

To join the association, councils must adopt a resolution endorsing membership fees and appoint a member to represent the council at the association. The deadline for submission of applications is set for June 27th.

An inaugural assembly is scheduled to convene in Baa Kamadhoo on July 6th and 7th, during which the association’s steering committee will be elected.

The steering committee, comprising a chairperson, three Atoll Council representatives, three Island Council representatives, and two City Council representatives, will oversee the association’s operations.

Afrah articulated the association’s purpose: “The MLCA serves as a collaborative platform for councils to collectively address common challenges and bolster council capabilities.”

Highlighting funding inadequacies, Afrah emphasised, “There are many things we must advocate for on behalf of councils. For example, we’ve been hearing across many symposiums that the block grant allocated to councils is not sufficient.”

“On matters like this, we believe that better results are achieved if councils join together and raise these issues rather than individual councils raising their voices separately”

“There is growing consensus that the current block grant allocation fails to meet councils’ needs. By consolidating our efforts, we can effectively advocate for necessary reforms.”

Additionally, Afrah disclosed plans to host the Asian Councillors Forum in the Maldives this year, attracting councillors from countries such as the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan.

Expressing gratitude for governmental support, Afrah commended Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef, for facilitating the association’s registration. He also acknowledged the assistance from International Republican Institute (IRI) and USAID in establishing the MCLA.