PNC-dominated Malé City Council fails to convene as quorum again not met
A Malé City Council meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum, with only 8 of 19 councilors present despite the ruling PNC holding 14 seats. The agenda included discussions on housing scheme criteria and consultation concerns. Opposition figures allege PNC councilors are deliberately avoiding meetings to prevent scrutiny of financial irregularities from Muizzu's time as Mayor.
Mayor Azim chairing a meeting of the Malé City Council | Male city council
The Malé City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled after failing to meet the required quorum, despite the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) holding a clear majority in the council.
North Galolhu Councilor Saif Fathih confirmed the cancellation in a post on the social media platform ‘X’, where he shared a video showing the members present at the scheduled start time.
The footage showed the attendance of Mayor Adam Azim, Councilor Mariyam Nazima of West Galolhu, Councilor Mariyam Reehan Nazim of South Galolhu, Councilor Ali Aiman of Hulhumalé, Councilor Saeedha Rashaadh of North Machchangolhi, Councilor Shaufa Saleem of West Henveiru, and Saif Fathih himself.
Saif highlighted that the agenda for Wednesday’s session included deliberations on the criteria established for the government’s recent housing schemes. The council had planned to raise concerns over the absence of consultation with the local authority in formulating these criteria and to submit formal recommendations to the government proposing possible revisions.
Opposition figures have alleged that councilors representing the ruling party are deliberately obstructing meetings in order to prevent discussions on politically sensitive matters linked to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s previous tenure as Mayor. Critics argue that the PNC majority is avoiding council sessions to block scrutiny of alleged financial irregularities and administrative conduct from that period, amid concerns that such discussions could lead to public disclosure.
The Malé City Council consists of 19 members, comprising the Mayor and 18 constituency representatives. Of these, 14 members currently belong to the ruling PNC. While a minimum of 10 members is required to form a quorum, only eight councilors were present for Wednesday’s meeting.
The cancellation adds to a growing number of instances in which council sessions have been aborted due to the absence of pro-government councilors, creating persistent difficulties in carrying out the council’s formal functions.
