Hoarafushi Council President receives red-carpet welcome upon returning to office following unjust LGA suspension
The council, which is composed entirely of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members, has characterized this suspension as an unjust penalty driven by political influence. Although the Local Government Authority (LGA) had previously hinted at potential disciplinary action against additional staff, there is no evidence that any cases involving council employees have been submitted to state authorities, even as Waheed returns to office following the completion of his suspension.
Council staff extended a red-carpet welcome to Waheed as he returned to the office on Sunday to resume his duties as Council President.
Mohamed Waheed, the President of the HA. Hoarafushi Island Council, returned to work on Monday following the completion of a three-month suspension imposed by the Local Government Authority (LGA).
Upon his return to the office to resume his duties as Council President, staff members extended a warm welcome, honoring him with a red-carpet reception.
Waheed was suspended from his post on December 8, 2025. At the time, the Local Government Authority (LGA) stated that the decision was made after identifying that the Hoarafushi Council had acted in violation of the Decentralization Act, the general procedural regulations for local councils, and financial regulations. However, the council has characterized the suspension as an unjust punishment.
The Local Government Authority (LGA) has previously indicated that additional employees of the Hoarafushi Council may face disciplinary action in connection with this matter. The LGA stated that if negligence is found on the part of the Council’s Secretary General or any other administrative staff, their cases would be forwarded to the relevant state authorities. However, even as Waheed returned to work following the expiration of his suspension, there is no evidence that any cases involving other council staff members have been submitted to state institutions regarding this issue.
All members of the Hoarafushi Island Council, including its President Mohamed Waheed, belong to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Consequently, many are alleging that the disciplinary action taken against the council president is a politically motivated move.
Upon Waheed's return to work, council members and staff held a welcoming event at the council secretariat to express their solidarity and reaffirm their full cooperation and support for him.
