‘Green signal’ received for Decentralisation Bill to become law, claims opposition

MALE, April 29, 2010 (Haveeru News Service) – The opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has received ‘green signal’ that the Decentralisation Bill would become law by the consent of 39 MPs, even if President Mohamed Nasheed returns it to parliament without ratification, the party’s leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a rally to celebrate the opposition’s victory over the bill, Thasmeen noted it was passed by 42 votes in Wednesday’s sitting after overcoming huge challenges.

“I am pleased with the participation of all the parties in this, except the MDP. Our MPs along with the MPs of People’s Alliance (PA), Jumhooree Party and independent members passed the bill for the citizens,” he said.

Even if President Nasheed returns the Decentralisation Bill for parliament to reconsider, it would be made in to law if 39 MPs voted in favour, Thasmeen stressed

“Therefore, the 42 votes we received to pass the bill was a clear signal that it would be made into a law,” he said.

He reiterated the opposition’s earlier remarks saying MPs had to work hard to pass the bill, as it was necessary to render all authorities to the people and to prevent councillors appointed by the government from doing “whatever they want.”

The inexperienced councillors are biased and inconsiderate, Thasmeen claimed.

“We are aware of the attempts by MDP MPs to delay the work of the bill at different phases. I am pleased to say that the bill was passed without the provincial administration system,” he said.

Thasmeen emphasised that lack of a provincial system would not cease or decline national development, contrary to claims made “to achieve a hidden political agenda.”

“I hope the President would ratify the bill according to his earlier remarks and that he would not return the bill when it was passed by the consent of 42 members,” he continued.

Thasmeen further said the seven provinces established “on the margin of the constitution have proven to be a failure,” and added that the opposition has to be stronger to win the local councils elections.

Former Deputy Leader of DRP Qasim Ibrahim, now the Leader of Jumhooree Party, who worked in coalition with the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) during the 2008 Presidential Election, also participated in the rally.

Speaking in the meeting, Qasim acknowledged that his participation in a DRP rally will raise questions, and added that he wanted to take part in celebrating the victory of passing the amended Decentralisation Bill.

“This victory is a memorable victory,” Qasim noted, adding that Jumhooree Party would also hold a rally to celebrate the bill soon.

He stressed that Jumhooree Party will work together with “all the parties in national issues.”