Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has revealed residents from Kulhudhuffushi City are eligible to take part in the vote to elect a president for Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council.
Responding to the questions raised regarding residents from Kulhudhuffushi voting to elect a president for the atoll council, Vice President of ECM Ahmed Akram said Kulhudhuffushi is still the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, although the island has been designated as a city. Therefore, Akram said residents from Kulhudhuffushi are eligible to take part in the vote to elect a president for the city council under Article 11 of Decentralisation Act. He further added a resident from Kulhudhuffushi can also compete for the presidency of Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council.
Furthermore, the vice president of the electoral body also explained residents from Male' City are not eligible to vote to elect a president for Kaafu Atoll Council, as the capital city is designated as a seperate constituency under the Decentralisation Act. Akram said 19 councillors along with a mayor will be elected for Male' City.
Meanwhile, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City are formed by seperate atolls and will only elect mayors and councillors.