President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed has stated the decentralisation system in Maldives will not function if MDP does not win the majority of seats in local councils.
Addressing the residents of Dhihdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Nasheed said the decentralisation system and the ideology was introduced to the country by MDP. The speaker said it is evident the system cannot function with any other political party at helm, adding the public witnessed how the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom acted towards the councils. He said the current administration, led by MDP, has enhanced the decentralisation system.
Furthermore, noting the opposition have failed to secure candidates to compete in the council elections, Nasheed said it shows the lack of public trust in the opposition.
The comments of the speaker come at a time when the main opposition party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), has extended the deadline to submit nominations for party tickets for a third time. PPM has announced it will compete for all the seats in the local council elections scheduled to be held on April 4.