President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated a five-year term is a long period for a presidency. The president made the remark at the second session of Jazeera Holhuashi held in Dharubaaruge' convention centre in Male' City.
During the forum held to collect views and ideas of the community regarding the Decentralisation Act, some participants proposed to increase the term of local councils to five-years.
Speaking at the public forum, President Solih expressed rather than staying in an elected post for a longer period, it is best if the system allows the elected officials to meet the people more. In this regard, the president said a five-year term is a long period for a president and parliamentarians, adding the public will re-elect officials if they are acceptable in the community and if they prove themselves. He said in some countries, the terms for elected officials is narratively short to ensure responsible individuals who can deliver are elected to the posts.
Moreover, many participants spoke on ensuring financial stability for the local councils. Responding to the comments, the president underscored submitting amendments to Parliament on the Decentralisation Act was one of his first 100-day pledges, noting the session was organised in order to collect views and ideas of the community. Speaking in this regard, the president noted a substantive amount of time has passed since the Decentralisation Act was introduced.
Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government also participated in the event.