President Dr. Muizzu has proposed changes to the decentralization system, stating that three island councilors per 3,000 people would suffice.

The President made the remarks at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge this evening to launch a special portal designed to generate ID cards through island councils and the second phase of the 'Kurangi Operation', which was launched to collect information about expatriates living in the islands of the Maldives.

President Dr. Muizzu said that some things have been planned in a way that is burdensome in determining the number of councillors. Thus, electing five councillors for a small island irrespective of the population is expensive and by reducing the number of councillors, things can be done in a way that is more beneficial.

"I believe that 3 councillors are enough for any island with a population not exceeding 3,000 citizens. The council president and two councillors - one elected to represent women and another to represent youth - should suffice for island councils," he said.

The number of councillors elected in island was increased to 5 in 2021.

President Dr. Muizzu said that 5 councillors can be elected in islands with a population between 3,000 - 10,000 but that the final decision will be made based on public feedback and national university research.

He said that after reducing the number of councillors, better services could be provided if a major portion of the budget allocated to the councils could be spent on improving the salaries of civil servants working in the council office.