LGA Initiates Legal Amendments for Thinadhoo City Mayoral Election
Photo: People’s Majlis
The Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced its intention to amend existing legislation promptly, paving the way for the mayoral election in Thinadhoo City.
This move comes after Thinadhoo was accorded city status through a presidential decree on August 30 under the previous administration, a decision criticised for its timing close to the presidential election without meeting the requisite criteria. The current government, however, has chosen to uphold Thinadhoo’s city status.
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Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation, Director General of LGA, Shammoon Adam, proposed legal adjustments to expedite the resolution of this matter.
Emphasising that the local council election is scheduled for two years later, Adam recommended modifying the law to facilitate a prompt Thinadhoo City mayoral election. He also noted the allocation of a budget to the Thinadhoo City Council through a block grant formula for delivering services at the city level.
Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef, acknowledged that the previous government’s decision lacked thorough consideration. Nevertheless, he assured that the current administration will honour the decision.
Expressing concern over the island council being tasked with city-level services for the next two years, Minister Shareef disclosed that the attorney general has been approached for recommendations to find an immediate solution.
Committee member MP Hisaan Hussain, during the meeting, asserted her belief that there was no issue with the presidential decree or the interpretation of the law. She clarified that with Thinadhoo’s elevation to city status, the council president and vice president now function as the mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, while the island council transforms into a city council.
