Local Government Authority (LGA) has ordered an investigation into alleged defamatory remarks made by Gaaf Dhaal Gadhdhoo island council President Ahmed Mohamed.

In a letter addressed to Gaaf Dhaal atoll council President Hassan Faihath, LGA President Mohamed Nimal said Mohamed had made defamatory remarks towards President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and senior government officials in a council WhatsApp group.

However, the letter does not mention details about the alleged defamatory remarks. Nimal ordered Gaaf Dhaal atoll council to conduct an investigation and take necessary measures. But no action has been taken so far.

Gadhdhoo island council President Mohamed previously faced charges for alleged sexual abuse of a minor. He won the council election with the ruling party ticket while in detention at the Maafushi Prison.

After the election, he was found not guilty with a court ruling that said the state was not able to provide sufficient evidence to prove that nude pictures were sent from his Facebook account.

Following public criticism, former Elections Commission (EC) President Ahmed Shareef said an ongoing criminal court case does not make a candidate ineligible for running in an election.

According to the law, a candidate will be ineligible if he has been convicted of a crime or has a proven debt.

Adhadhu understands that Mohamed began criticising the current administration after the rift between Muizzu and former President Abdulla Yameen.