The President has decided to send the draft bill on decentralised administration of the atolls to the People’s Majilis by the end of the week.

The Bill stipulates how administrative provinces, atoll councils and island councils are to be formed in accordance with the Chapter 8 of the Constitution.

According to the Bill, 21 out of 20 administrative areas stated in the Schedule 2 of the Constitution, should be divided into 7 provinces. The Bill also stipulates how councillors should be elected for both atoll and island councils.

The government held a public consultation session on the draft Bill on the 14th February, and opened for public feedback.