The newly elected members of the local councils and women's development committees have been sworn into office.
During the ceremonies held nationwide, newly elected councillors for 101 islands took their oaths online, and councillors for another 99 islands took their oaths in the presence of judges.
The swearing-in ceremony for the mayor and members of the Male' City Council and women's development committee was also conducted online. During the ceremony, the newly elected officials were shown a video report of the work conducted by the previous city council as well as the challenges they had faced. Furthermore, former Mayor of Male' City Sifa Mohamed gave a speech highlighting the history of the city council as well as its projects to develop the capital city.
During the ceremony, newly elected Mayor of Male' City Dr. Mohamed Muizzu spoke of his plan to develop the city, which includes solving the housing crisis. During his speech, Muizzu said support from the government would result in the new city council becoming a close and effective ally in completing the strategic action plan for Male'. He also announced the council's decision to hold a meeting to take a secret vote to pick the deputy mayor.
Meanwhile, councillors of seven islands were not sworn in after some complaints regarding the elections were filed at the High Court of the Maldives. High Court has ordered to postpone the oath-taking for elected councillors of Kondey in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Filladhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, and Kandoodhoo in Thaa Atoll as well as the council president-elect of Maabaidhoo in Laamu Atoll.
Parliament has passed amendments to the Decentralisation Act to extend council terms from three years to five years and give more power to local councils, including more financial freedoms and the ability to conduct projects in their constituencies. Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won the most seats in the elections held on April 10 with 400 seats, while opposition Progressive Coalition won 325 seats across the country.