The Local Government Authority (LGA) said it will take no action against the Kendhikulhudhoo Council after the council refused to withdraw a statement accusing President Mohamed Muizzu of abusing state resources during an official visit. Attorney General Ahmed Usham and President Muizzu both advocated non-interference with councils.
One outlet so far Only Maldives Republic has reported this among the sources we monitor. A gap in what we monitor, not proof that others did not report it.
The President, on Tuesday night, also stressed a policy of non-interference with the councils.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
Meanwhile, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said on Wednesday that the LGA had no authority to instruct the council to withdraw its statement.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
The LGA did not provide a clear legal requirement, and as such, we decided not to cancel the statement
We will not do anything about the statement. The problem is that the statement issued was beyond their purview. If they issue such a statement again, we will look into it further
It is difficult to believe that the LGA can [legally] ask the council to cancel a press release. I do not believe such an action [can be justified]
Councils should be given full powers to give full powers to the people. It is not my policy to take action against councils and obstruct councils. Therefore, I will not support the Local Governance Authority to do anything like that… The a…
Nothing to compare yet. If another monitored source reports it, its headline appears beside this one.
The LGA gave the council until 2 p.m. on Monday to retract its statement stating that President Mohamed Muizzu had abused state resources by participating in what they perceived as party-political campaigning under the guise of an official visit.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
