Maldives Elect Local Councils

The Maldives is changing fast...changing for the better. For the first time in its known history, the government is ceding the powers of administration to its communities scattered in the archipelago. The move is to comply with the country's new constitution, to decentralize the age old system of governing by consolidated powers of rulers or the government in the capital. The Island Councils and Atoll Councils elected on February 5, are responsible for all aspects of development, from designing to deploying, as well as promotion of social justice and welfare of the communities they represent. Beginning 2011 the country is classified by the UN as a developing country. The decentralization is intended to take the country to the next level of development - without ruffling its feathers of traditions and cultural values.