The Local Government Authority (LGA) has urged councils across the country to refrain from using council property and resources to promote any political ideology, stating that such use violates the Decentralisation Act.

The appeal came in a letter signed by LGA Chief Executive Mohamed Nimal and sent to the presidents of city and island councils, after the Malé City Council allowed the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to hold its fifth congress at the council’s public services section.

According to the letter, assets under the supervision of councils must only be used to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to them by law, and must be used fairly without regard to any person’s political affiliation or family. The LGA noted that holding political activities at council offices, where citizens come to seek services, could make the public uncomfortable and erode public trust in the decentralised system. It added that such actions also breach the code of conduct for councillors.

The MDP congress began on Thursday night and concluded on Saturday night. The party said it had requested a government building for the event, and held it at the council premises only because no other venue was available.