President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a constitutional amendment will be proposed in the next session of Parliament to abolish atoll councils as part of wider reforms to the decentralisation system.

Speaking at a meeting in Alifu Alifu Mathiveri during his visit to the atoll, the President said the government would introduce changes aimed at strengthening local governance.

The proposed constitutional amendment would dissolve atoll councils, while additional amendments to the Decentralisation Act would reduce the size of island councils. Under the plan, islands with fewer than 2,000 residents would have three-member councils, while larger islands would be governed by five-member councils. City councils would remain largely unchanged, with only minor adjustments considered.

The President also announced that reserved seats for women councillors would continue, and a constitutional amendment would be brought forward to ensure that Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) are elected separately. The reform would make the role of WDC president a full-time position.

According to the government, these changes are intended to streamline council structures, enhance efficiency, and strengthen community participation in local governance.