Fathimath Ishana won the Central Machangolhi seat, Shaufa Saleem secured the West Henveiru seat, and Ali Aiman was elected to the Hulhumale' seat. All three members contested the election on the ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) ticket.
Three newly elected members of the Male' City Council have been sworn in today.
In the by-election held on July 20, Fathimath Ishana won the Central Machangolhi seat, Shaufa Saleem secured the West Henveiru seat, and Ali Aiman was elected to the Hulhumale' seat. All three members contested the election on the ruling party People's National Congress (PNC) ticket.
The by-election was held following the election of some City Council members to the parliament.
Drug Court Judge Mohamed Sameer administered the oath at a ceremony held at Meerumaa Hall.
During the ceremony, Mayor Ali Azim said that one of the greatest aspects of the multi-party democracy introduced in the Maldives is that it empowers people to make decisions about issues affecting them.
He urged the new members to work as a team to address the problems faced by the people and to strive for positive results.
"Members must work hard and courageously to maintain their integrity. Therefore, I sincerely urge them to work to meet the people's expectations," Mayor Azim said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef highlighted that the government has created an environment for councils and other agencies to work in collaboration.
Among these initiatives, councils will be granted an uninhabited island for 25 years. Minister Shareef said that proposals have already been submitted by Raa atoll Inguraidhoo, Dhaalu atoll Kudahuvadhoo, Meemu atoll Council, and Laamu atoll Maavah Council.
Minister Shareef said that empowering councils financially is a priority for the government to reduce reliance on the central government for minor issues.