PNC secures both island council and women’s committee seats as LGA board elections conclude

The ruling PNC has secured both the island council and women’s committee seats in the Local Government Authority (LGA) board elections held on Saturday. 

Under the Decentralization Act, the LGA board must include one member elected from city mayors, one from island council presidents, and one from women’s committee presidents.

Only Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif contested for the city councils seat, resulting in his election without a vote. Elections were therefore held for the remaining two positions.

According to official results, F. Nilandhoo Council President Ali Ahmed (PNC) won the island council seat with 312 votes, defeating N. Manadhoo Council President Ali Zafir (MDP), who received 229 votes. 

For the women’s committee seat, Sh. Funadhoo WDC Chairperson Maryam Zeena (PNC) received 79 votes, ahead of L. Gan WDC Chairperson Maryam Neena (MDP) with 53 votes.

The LGA stated that 807 officials were eligible to vote, including 625 councillors and 182 women’s committee presidents.

The LGA board is chaired by Finance Minister Hassan Zareer, with Mohamed Nimal serving as CEO. Other board members include Mohamed Arif, Mohamed Azad, and Aishath Arif.