Maldives Parliament to debate opposing petitions on council land bill

The Maldives Parliament is set to debate two opposing petitions regarding a proposed amendment to the Decentralisation Act. The bill would grant the government authority to take over land and buildings currently under local council jurisdiction.

Following a recent amendment to the parliamentary rules of procedure, citizens are now permitted to file counter-petitions on the same issue. Previously, rules prevented multiple petitions from addressing the same subject. This change, proposed by MP Mohamed Mamdhooh and passed with 56 votes in favor, was intended to expand public input.

The General Purpose Committee has allocated two hours for the floor debate, providing one hour to each petition. One petition, initiated by NGO founder Midhuam Saud, calls for the rejection of the bill and has gathered over 2,300 signatures. A second petition, supporting the government’s position to pass the bill, has received 10,150 signatures.