The Local Government Minister-designate, Ahmed Ibrahim, has voiced his agreement with the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
He however disagrees with the proposal to conduct these elections on partisan basis.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, January 21, Mr Ibrahim insisted that non-partisan elections for MMDCEs would be the best approach to ensuring their independence from political control. "I agree that the election of MMDCEs is necessary, but I disagree that it should be on a partisan basis," Mr Ibrahim stated. "That has been the bone of contention between your former government and my party, but the election of MMDCEs should be done now," he said in response to a question by a member of the Committee.
Mr Ibrahim underscored that such a move would empower MMDCEs to work freely and focus on the developmental needs of their communities, without the pressure of partisan politics.
