President Mohamed Nasheed has welcomed opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party’s cooperation in determining administrative constituencies for local governance.
After extensive talks, which began on 6 September, the government and DRP has come to an agreement on determining administrative units for inhabited islands under local elections law.
The President thanked DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, its representatives and all its members for their positive response to the invitation by the government for discussions.
The President described the manner in which the talks were carried out as a clear example of cooperation that should exist between the government and opposition parties.
Under the agreement signed, a referendum on determining inhabited islands shall be held on a date between 17 September and 9 October. It was also agreed that necessary amendments to laws should be proposed by 10 October, to announce administrative regions on 17 October and to hold local election before 31 December.
The DRP was represented at the talks by Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shareef, Council Members Mohamed Mujthaz, Rozaina Adam and Ahmed Mahloof. The government was represented by Minister of Home Affairs Mohamed Shihab, Minister of Housing and Environment Mohamed Aslam, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ahmed Shafeeq, Minister of State for Fisheries and Agriculture Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan and Director General at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ahmed Shareef Nafees.
