Male’ council meetings suspended over lack of quorum

Formal meetings of the Male' City Council have remained suspended for nearly a month after repeated failures to meet quorum requirements.

The council last held a formal meeting on 21 March. Since then, six meetings have been scheduled, but none proceeded due to the absence of several councillors from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), which currently holds the majority in the council.

Attendance records show that some sessions were attended by as few as three councillors, while others recorded seven or nine members present. A minimum of 10 councillors is required for quorum.

Of the six meetings scheduled since 25 March, only one session commenced. That meeting, held on 15 April, was adjourned shortly after it began following the loss of quorum.

The quorum was reportedly lost when proposals were introduced by Galolhu North councillor Mohamed Saif Fathih and Galolhu West councillor Mariyam Nazima concerning assistance for applicants seeking flats and land plots.

During that session, councillors approved the agenda and a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Housing before the meeting was adjourned.

Subsequent attempts to hold meetings have also failed due to lack of quorum. Wednesday’s session was cancelled after only eight councillors attended.

Items listed on Wednesday’s agenda included proposals to use council resources and budget to assist housing applicants, discussions on suspending the removal of motorcycles parked near the council entrance, amendments to Public Nuisance Regulations, and a motion seeking the transfer of the Male’ Industrial Zone to the council.

The agenda also included discussions on concerns related to the government’s 300-flat housing project in Villimalé and possible consultations with relevant authorities regarding changes to the project.

Administrative matters scheduled for discussion included lease extensions for market stalls and demolition of structures near Fishermen's Park as part of works linked to Boduthakurufaanu Magu development.

Recently, President Mohamed Muizzu accused the council of obstructing road development projects and attributed the issue to councillors from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He said delays in pavement works in the local market area were linked to such actions.

This is not the first time PNC councillors have faced allegations of remaining absent from meetings, resulting in repeated loss of quorum and cancellation of council sessions.

In the recent local council elections, the PNC lost its majority in the Male’ City Council. The incoming council term will be controlled by the MDP.

Among incumbent councillors, eight PNC members contested for re-election but were unsuccessful. Current Mayor Adam Azim, who contested under the MDP ticket, was the only incumbent councillor re-elected for the next term.