The Local Government Minister-designate, Ahmed Ibrahim, has voiced his agreement with the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) but disagreed with the proposal to conduct these elections on a partisan basis. 

Speaking 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 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.

The Minister-designate expressed his belief that separating local government from party politics would improve the effectiveness of MMDCEs in carrying out their duties. 

By doing so, he argued, they would be able to prioritise local development over partisan affiliations