Parliament of Maldives has passed to investigate actions taken against local councils by Local Government Authority (LGA) in violation of the laws and regulations. The motion was passed by votes from 65 parliamentarians.
The report submitted to the parliament floor by Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation stated LGA suspended several councillors involved in opposition rallies during the presidency of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. LGA worked against the principles of decentralisation and local governance by compelling councillors and imposing heavy punishments, including suspension for long periods without pay, according to the report. LGA was also accused of amending policies to immediately impose action against councillors.
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation included several amendments that needs to be made to the Decentralisation Act, including the composition of the board of LGA and detailing the mandate of the authority.