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The ceremony held for candidate number draw of the LGA election - Photo: LGA

The Local Government Authority has indefinitely delayed the internal vote to elect local council and WDC representatives to its governing board, drawing sharp criticism from former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced the indefinite suspension of its internal board election, which was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 8.

In an official statement published on social media, the oversight body confirmed that the election was postponed because necessary preliminary arrangements could not be completed in time.

Key Details and Election Metrics

• Scheduled Election Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026.

• Current Status: Postponed indefinitely.

• Positions to be Elected: Representatives from island and city councilors, alongside presidents of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs)

Contested Seats & Candidate Numbers

Island Council Representatives:

• Candidate 1: Ali Ahmed (PNC) – President of F. Nilandhoo Council
• Candidate 2: Ibrahim Rasheed (MDP) – President of N. Manadhoo Council

Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Representatives:

• Candidate 1: Mariyam Neena (MDP) – President of L. Gan WDC
• Candidate 2: Mariyam Zeena (PNC) – President of Sh. Funadhoo WDC

Criticism from Mohamed Nasheed

Following the announcement, former President and current MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed took to the social media platform X to express strong disapproval over the decision.

“Delaying elections meant to empower local governance undermines the core spirit of decentralization. Administrative delays should never serve as a pretext to derail local representation,” Nasheed posted.

Nasheed argued that delaying municipal representation threatens democratic oversight and weakens local governance frameworks established under the Decentralization Act.

Context and Background

The governing board of the LGA includes representatives elected by island, atoll, and city councilors, as well as WDC leaders, to ensure direct local input in national policy coordination.

This postponement follows previous administrative challenges surrounding municipal elections and board appointments. In past cycles, delays in updating voter registries and finalizing candidate lists have similarly disrupted scheduled local leadership votes, sparking ongoing debates between local authorities and central government institutions over administrative efficiency and decentralization autonomy.