Newly elected local councilors and members of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) were sworn into office today, marking the first term since constitutional and legislative amendments abolished atoll councils.
The councilors and WDC members inaugurated today represent the fifth term of local governance since the introduction of the decentralization system in the Maldives.
In the most recent elections, voters cast ballots to elect representatives for 184 councils, comprising five city councils and 179 island councils. Voter turnout for the election stood at 73 percent.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured the mayor positions and majority control of all five city councils. Meanwhile, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) won the majority of seats across island councils and Women’s Development Committees.
Under the revised structure, these councils are now directly accountable to the Local Government Authority (LGA).
