MDP establishes office to support councils, appoints Ameer as Director General

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has established a specialized office within its National Secretariat to provide technical, financial, and other support to local councils, appointing former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer as its Director General.

In a brief statement, the MDP announced the formation of the "Inter-Local Council Project Development Office" (ILC-PDO). Ibrahim Ameer, who also serves as a member of the MDP National Council, has been tasked with leading the newly created office.

The establishment of the office comes at a critical juncture following significant administrative changes introduced by the current administration, including the dissolution of atoll councils and the Local Governance Ministry.

These structural reforms have faced considerable criticism from opposition figures, who argue that the measures effectively limit the powers and autonomy of local councils.

In response to these concerns, the Local Government Authority (LGA), which currently oversees council affairs, has stated that the decentralization of administrative functions remains unaffected despite the dissolution of the Ministry and Atoll Councils.

It is noteworthy that Ibrahim Ameer has been a prominent critic of the incumbent government’s policies, particularly in relation to economic and fiscal management.

Ameer was also a key supporter of former president Mohamed Nasheed during the party’s previous internal elections.

This development follows the recent establishment of the "Bodu Badhalu" office within the MDP National Secretariat, where Uz. Hassan Latheef was appointed as Director General, as part of broader organizational reforms approved by the party’s National Council.