The Local Government Authority (LGA) has declared the seat of Vaavu Thinadhoo Council President Shujaau Ali vacant after he changed his political party during his term.
Shujaau was elected on a The Democrats ticket but later registered with another political party. Under the Decentralisation Act, council members elected under a party ticket automatically lose their seat if they switch parties before completing their term.
LGA said the decision has been communicated to the Elections Commission, while the council’s vice president will continue carrying out the president’s responsibilities on an interim basis until the vacancy is filled.