Maldives Parliament passes land jurisdiction bill

Political tension has emerged in the Maldives regarding a proposed amendment to the Decentralisation Act. The bill seeks to grant the central government authority over land and buildings currently managed by local councils.

Former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen have voiced strong opposition to the measure. Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the resettlement of Thinadhoo, Nasheed cautioned that centralizing power in Malé could be viewed as “contributing to another coup,” arguing that such moves ignore the nation’s island-based reality. Yameen urged local councils to resist efforts to “seize land,” describing opposition to the proposal as a “national jihad” and suggesting councils should instead lease land to investors to ensure economic stability.

Despite this opposition, the Maldives Parliament has passed the amendments to the Decentralisation Act with 47 votes in favor and 12 against. The new legislation grants the Cabinet the authority to reclaim land and property from island and city councils for government development projects. Under these rules, once the Cabinet determines land is required, the area is placed under full state authority, potentially before physical development plans are approved.

The amendment mandates that the Local Government Authority (LGA) notify affected councils and make decisions public. While the government must consult with councils and allow a 14-day period for complaints, the transfer of jurisdiction is now legally permitted. The government is also required to provide compensation for resources or immovable assets where a council or third party has made investments, following procedures to be determined by LGA regulations.