Adhadhu has learnt that the Local Government Authority (LGA) has not yet informed the Elections Commission (EC) about the resignation of Male' Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh.

Nareesh resigned on March 12.

According to the Decentralization Act, the LGA must notify the EC within 14 days if a councillor's seat becomes vacant.

The EC will start work to hold the by-election for a vacant seat on the date of receipt of the LGA's notice.

A by-election must be held within 60 days of a vacancy. However, a by-election cannot be held if a seat becomes vacant and the council's term has less than one year left.

The term of the current council expires in May 2026. This means the opportunity to hold a by-election is likely to be lost if the LGA delays the notification of a vacancy.

The term of councillors elected through a by-election will expire with the official term of the council.