MDP to challenge Thinadhoo council president's unseating in court

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to challenge in court the Local Government Authority's (LGA) decision to unseat V. Thinadhoo Council President Shujau Ali following his move from The Democrats to the MDP.

Under the Decentralisation Act's anti-defection provisions, councillors elected on a political party's ticket automatically lose their seat if they join another registered party during their elected term. Shujau was elected as Thinadhoo Council president under The Democrats before rejoining the MDP after the party was dissolved for failing to meet the minimum membership requirement.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed said the party's legal committee believes the LGA's decision was unlawful.

"God willing, the matter will be submitted to court by next week at the latest. The party's legal committee is currently carrying out the necessary legal groundwork," Nasheed said.

Shujau has maintained that he rejoined the MDP only after The Democrats ceased to exist as a registered political party.