Entire Gaa Alifu Atoll Council suspended

All the members of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council has been suspended.

Home Minister and the President of the Local Government Authority (LGA), Azleen Ahmed told Sun Media today that the entire Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council has been suspended for three months for meeting foregin diplomats without permission in violation of the LGA Circular, without the permission from the Home Ministry.

The suspended council members include the President of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council, Ahmed Fuaad of the Villingili constituency, Vice President of the Council, Ahmed Nazmeen of Gemanafushi constituency and councilor Hussain Adam who got elected from Dhaandhoo constituency.

After the LGA issued a circular, the members of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council met with the Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, Akhilesh Mishra on his visit to the island upon the Council's invitation.

The LGA circular noted that some councils have been meeting foreign diplomats in violation to the Maldivian Constitution and the order from the Supreme Court.

The circular noted that while the councils are a layer of the government services and meeting foreign diplomats, organizations and other groups without the Home Ministry's approval may lead to violations of foreign policies and international agreements.

Referring to Article 115-J of the Constitution, the LGA circular said that monitoring and managing the foreign policies of the country is within the powers of the President.

It also referred to a decision by the Supreme Court stating that the local councils must be run under central ministries.

LGA circular said that they would be taking steps against the councils and members who violate the rulings.

While the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council has met with the Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council has recently met with the British Ambassador to the Maldives, James Dauris.

The Indian Ambassador, Akhilesh has also met with the Mayor of Adduc Ciy, Mohamed Yasrif and his wife. He has also met with Mayor Abdulla Falaah Shareef in his city, Fuvahmulah.

The Ambassador has bet with the President of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council, Ahmed Athif and his council members along with the members of the Alifu Alifu Ukulhas Island Council and the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council.