While the local council election is to be held on April 4 this year, the mayoral elections of all cities have become very competitive with the increase in the number of candidates. Of all four cities, the competition is higher in Male' City and Addu City.
With the amendments to the Decentralisation Act, Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has allocated constituencies, and seats allocated for women as preparations are underway for the upcoming local council elections. As the responsibility and the authority of the councillors have increased, the election is expected to be more competitive.
Mayoral election in the capital Male' City is the one to watch as the current mayor and some city council members have expressed their interest in getting elected as the mayor. The current Mayor of Male' City Sifa Mohamed, Councillors Shamau Shareef and Ahmed Niyaz have all decided to contest.
Candidates from the opposition contesting in the mayoral election include the former housing minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and former Parliamentarian Alhan Fahmee. Male City Council will consist of 19 councillors.
Addu City Council Election will also be very competitive as two very influential politicians from the main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have expressed interest to contest in the election. While the current mayor has expressed his interest in contesting for his third term, former Parliamentarian Ali Nizar has also decided to contest. Addu City Council will consist of 12 councillors, including the mayor.
Many candidates have also expressed interest in contesting for the Fuvahmulah mayoral election. While the current mayor of Fuvahmulah Abdulla Falah Shareef has decided to contest for re-election, several others have already started their campaigns. Fuvahmulaku City Council will consist of 9 councillors including the mayor.
Unlike other city councils, Kulhudhuffushi, which was granted a city status on January 1, has seen no strong competition thus far. However, it is expected that Kulhudhuffushi City will also see many candidates applying for the position as the council elects 7 councillors including the mayor.
The new amendments to the Decentralisation Act has granted significant authority and powers to councils and the government has stated the new role requires more responsibility from the councillors. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also stated he will now be able to question the councillors regarding development projects in islands, instead of councillors asking him questions.
The administration believes the upcoming local council elections will bring a remarkable change in the islands as the islands can exercise execution of powers in the developmental projects the councils carry.