Awareness vital before a referendum on administrative consolidation of islands

Ahmed Thasmeen Ali – Leader – Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party ( DRP) – www.thasmeen.org

The newly announced agenda of the Government suggests of plans to administratively join some 99 islands to form 46 administrative island constituencies. It has been proposed that 21 islands will be grouped into 7 constituencies of 3 islands each; and 78 islands to 39 constituencies of 2 islands each. However, the proposed constituency formations would be possible only if approved by the people of the concerned islands in a referendum. Thanks to the Clause 136 of the Local Governance Act (7/2010).

Whilst best practice in democracy advocates the involvement of people and a bottom up approach, it is a shame that the Government has announced this plan without consulting the people of the islands concerned. Why should the government go on planning these changes without scoping the plans with the island communities? DRP has all along said and maintained the stance that such changes should be made only if the people of the islands are willing. That is what is stated in the law.

If one looks at the list of islands which the Government has publicized for administrative consolidation, it seems the groupings have been decided without giving much thought to local politics of the islands. Anyone who understands the politics of the different islands would realize that some of the groupings are just non-starters. Potential opposition to the proposed consolidation from some of the groupings is so obvious that it would be highly irresponsible to spend taxpayer money on holding referendums in these islands, not to mention the unnecessary additional burden this will place upon an already stretched Elections Commission.

The senselessness of Government’s groupings of the islands can be portrayed with just one example. The Government has proposed to join Lhaniyani Felivaru and Hinnavaru. Whilst Felivaru is supposed to be an inhabited island, people have never really settled there and hence if there was to be a referendum in Felivaru to seek consent for consolidation with Hinnavaru, who will vote in that referendum? Does this mean this is a done deal, a sinister plan of the Government to gift Felivaru to Hinnavaru people ripping other islands in the atoll of its stake in the industrial island of Felivaru? It sure raises questions.

Administrative consolidation of islands could have dire consequences for the people if this does not work. We are talking about different island cultures and ways of life. Hence, before the island communities are asked to vote on the referendum, the Government must educate and make the island communities aware of the detailed implications of the change. What administrative differences will they face? What will happen to the system of civil and social services? Should the school children change school? Will there be a change to their representations is local councils? How does the administrative-joining differ from physical relocation of a population from one island to the other? How would the proposed Local Elections Constituency divide work in par with the Parliamentary Constituencies, when there are crossovers? These are just some of the many questions that people need answers before they vote at a referendum.

Unlike countries that are linked by land, Maldives would face a number of challenges because of the geographical constraints associated with small islands and the seas that separates the islands. Another aspect that needs to be considered is the unique cultures associated with respective islands. DRP hope that this new agenda is not a deliberate delay tactic by the Government to stall the local council elections and further postpone giving power to the people. DRP always looks out for the interest of the people and we are firmly committed to entrusting the power to the people.