President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that local councils are not elected to hold the Government accountable but are legally mandated to provide essential municipal services to the public.

Speaking at PNC’s new headquarter inauguration, the President stressed the importance of electing candidates who will support and continue the Government’s development agenda in the upcoming local council elections scheduled for 4 April. He said cooperation at island and city levels is necessary to fulfil the pledges made to the people.

The President described 2026 as a key year for national development, with major infrastructure projects planned in housing, health, education and the economy. He said the success of these initiatives would depend on strong collaboration between the Government and elected local representatives.

He also cautioned against electing council members with the primary aim of holding the Government to account, noting that the law clearly defines accountability mechanisms and places local councils within the executive branch of Government.

During his remarks, the President outlined progress made by his Administration over the past two years and said further details on future projects would be presented in his upcoming Presidential Address.