The newly elected members for the fifth term of local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDC) across the Maldives were officially sworn into office today. Organized by the Local Government Authority (LGA), the ceremonies commenced at 9:00 AM in various islands and cities, with oaths administered by designated judges and magistrates.

A total of 678 council seats were available for this term, with 677 members elected. Among them, 676 councilors took their oaths today. Regarding the WDCs, out of 678 required seats, 673 members were elected, and 662 signed their declarations during today’s proceedings. The LGA confirmed that individuals unable to attend today’s ceremonies will be provided an opportunity to take their oaths at a later date.

Following the swearing-in ceremonies, councils held their inaugural sessions to elect leadership positions, including Deputy Mayors for cities and Vice Presidents for island councils and WDCs. Under the current administrative framework, WDC Presidents will serve in full-time capacities throughout their five-year tenure.

The LGA highlighted that this transition marks a significant step in bolstering the nation’s decentralized governance system. Since the implementation of the Decentralization Act, the first council oaths were administered in February 2011, making these formal ceremonies a legal prerequisite for the commencement of each new term.