Hoarafushi residents protest in black after suspension of council president Mohamed Waheed

Residents of H.A. Hoarafushi staged a protest on Tuesday dressed in black, following the suspension of Council President Mohamed Waheed.  

The Local Government Authority (LGA) suspended Waheed for three months without pay and allowances, and cautioned the remaining six councilors after reviewing eight complaints lodged with the authority. A report highlighted seven violations by the council.  

Photos circulating on social media showed councilors and residents participating in the protest, holding posters calling for Waheed’s suspension to be lifted.  

Sun attempted to contact several Hoarafushi councilors for comment, but they did not respond.  

According to the LGA, the inquiry uncovered the following violations:  

• Spending on this year’s Northern Atolls’ Women’s Volleyball Tournament in violation of financial rules  

• Purchase of date palm trees in 2023 to plant in the island’s port area, also in violation of financial regulations  

• Addition of vacant land adjacent to allocated plots, contrary to the land use plan  

• Expenditure on Eid al-Adha 1446 events, including stage lights and decor, in breach of financial rules  

• Procurement employees serving on the bid committee  

• Failure to provide information requested under the Right to Information Act  

• Release of large sums in violation of the Finance Act by splitting funds for Eid lighting, with items not received despite payments  

The LGA said Waheed was suspended due to the seriousness of these violations, noting that as council president he bore primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.