The local government council of Dhidhdhoo island in Haa Alif Atoll has said they would not allow the Elections Commission to conduct parliamentary by-elections for their constituency.

Council chair Ali Haashim said that his office does not support the commission’s decision to ‘oust sitting parliamentarians’ and announce by-elections.

“We will not allow them to hold elections, we will not let there be a polling station put on this island” Haashim said.

The Elections Commission has announced by-elections for Viliglli, Thulusdhoo, and Madduvari constituencies as well.

The decision was made in accordance to a Supreme Court ruling in July that banned floor-crossing for parliamentarians.

While the Elections Commission’s decision has been challenged, it is enshrined within the constitution that a parliament representative must be replaced within 60 days of his removal from office.