LGA board election postponed indefinitely

LGA board elections have been postponed indefinitely.

The election for the board of the Local Government Authority (LGA), the parent body overseeing councils, has been postponed indefinitely just as the voting date neared. LGA board elections determine members who represent city councils, island councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) on the board.

The election of an island councillor and a WDC chairperson was scheduled for Saturday, August 8.

In a press release issued on Tuesday evening, the LGA announced that the election has been postponed indefinitely. The authority said the decision was made because “important works related to the election have not been completed.”

However, the LGA did not disclose details of the pending work.

The election process for the LGA board seats, representing councillors and WDC chairpersons, was opened on July 12 last year, after which the authority published the list of candidates.

Contestants  

Among the island councillors:  

• F. Nilandhoo Council President Ali Ahmed (PNC)  

• N. Manadhoo Council President Ali Safir (MDP)

Among the WDC candidates:  

• L. Gan WDC President Mariyam Neena (MDP)  

• Sh. Funadhoo WDC President Mariyam Zeena (PNC)

The powers of the Local Government Authority include taking action against councillors who misuse their position, fail to fulfil their responsibilities, or violate legal provisions. These measures include suspending councillors from office for a specified period.