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Local Government Authority CEO Mohamed Nimal confirmed that the agency postponed its internal board election following reports of plans to rig voter turnout at regional branches.
News Desk
LGA CEO Nimal in a board meeting of the authority which held previously - Photo: LGA
MALÉ: Local Government Authority (LGA) Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal revealed that the authority delayed its scheduled board election after receiving complaints about a planned vote-rigging operation.
The internal election was originally scheduled for August 8 to elect board representatives from local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDC). Speaking on a public media program, Nimal explained that while administrative preparations were complete, reports emerged indicating that individuals at regional branch offices intended to mark ballots for absent voters.
Addressing the allegations and the decision to halt the vote, Nimal stated, “Some councils informed us that certain groups planned to boycott the vote, while politically affiliated staff at LGA branches controlling the ballot boxes would mark unused papers and fake attendance on voter registries. I made this decision to protect the LGA from that discredit.”
Nimal confirmed that officials discussed the complaints with the internal election committee and instructed that independent staff members from the main LGA office be stationed at every polling box before proceeding. The CEO emphasized that the election was not postponed indefinitely and clarified that fresh voting dates will be announced once proper oversight measures are finalized.
Key statutory rules and structural facts regarding the LGA board election include:
Board Membership Composition: The Decentralization Act establishes a 9-member governing board for the Local Government Authority.
Elected Board Seats: The election determines 1 member representing Island Councilors and 1 member representing WDC Presidents nationwide.
Tenure of Elected Representatives: Elected council representatives serve on the LGA board until their current term as local councilors expires.
Island Council Representative Candidates: Candidate 1 is Ali Ahmed (PNC), President of F. Nilandhoo Council, competing against Candidate 2, Ibrahim Rasheed (MDP), President of N. Manadhoo Council.
WDC Representative Candidates: Candidate 1 is Mariyam Neena (MDP), President of L. Gan WDC, competing against Candidate 2, Mariyam Zeena (PNC), President of Sh. Funadhoo WDC.
