Newly-elected mayors and councilors take oath of office

Mayors, deputy mayors and councilors elected in April took their oath of office on Sunday, marking the beginning of the fifth session of local councils.

Newly-elected members of city councils in Male’, Addu, Fuvahmulah, Kulhudhuffushi and Thinadhoo took their oaths in ceremonies held in the morning.

Members elected to local councils in islands across the country will also be taking their oath in ceremonies held throughout Sunday.

The ceremony in Male’ took place at the Social Center.

Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim, who was re-elected for a second term, along with other councilors and members of the Women’s Development Committee had their oath administered by High Court Judge Mohamed Shaneez Abdulla.

According to the Local Government Authority (LGA), 676 out of 677 councilor-elects and 662 out of 673 WDC members will be taking their oath on Sunday.

The local council elections and the WDC elections took place on April 4.

It saw the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) sweep 580 seats, while the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) secured 560. Meanwhile, the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) took 23 seats, while Adhaalath Party (AP) took six seats, Jumhoory Party (JP) took four seats, and Democrats won two seats. The remaining 168 seats went to independents.