Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has strongly opposed a proposed bill that would give the government greater authority over land currently under the jurisdiction of local councils.

The legislation was accepted by Parliament with 55 votes in favor and eight against, with 63 lawmakers present during the vote.

Under the proposed changes, the Cabinet could decide to remove designated areas from a council's jurisdiction, after which the Local Government Authority (LGA) would notify the relevant council.

The land would then come under government control, while councils would be required to hand over land needed for state projects.

The proposal has prompted protests from the MDP, which demonstrated outside Parliament on Tuesday under the slogan "Reject the Looting Bill."

Nasheed argued that the legislation could enable the improper takeover of land belonging to island communities and called for Parliament to withdraw the bill.

He also urged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu not to ratify the legislation if it passes the parliamentary process.

During the parliamentary debate, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir of the MDP raised constitutional concerns, warning that the amendments could undermine the country's decentralized governance system and weaken the powers of local councils.

Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah of the PNC countered that the bill was not a government submission and emphasized that individual lawmakers have the right to introduce legislation.

The bill was submitted by MP Abdul Hannan, who previously introduced the controversial Media Control Bill.

Opposition to the legislation has continued to grow, with a public petition calling for its withdrawal having collected more than 678 signatures.