Several council Secretary Generals (SGs) have been affected by conflict-of-interest concerns after close family members were elected to leadership positions in local councils across different islands.

The issue first emerged in Thaa atoll Kinbidhoo, where the brother of the council Secretary General was elected as Council President. Following the development, the Civil Service Commission intervened and decided that the SG should be reassigned or have her responsibilities transferred to another officer, allowing her to remain in post until the end of her term.

A source familiar with the matter said that while earlier guidance had suggested the SG could be transferred to another island, a previous decision by the commission had instead placed her on administrative hold while retaining her position. Following a complaint, the commission reviewed the matter and opted to proceed in line with the earlier decision.

Similar cases have since been identified in at least three other islands following the latest local council swearing-in ceremonies.

In Shaviyani Bilehfahi, the council Secretary general and the newly elected council President are a married couple. In Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo, the SG is the sibling of the newly elected council President in Bilehfahi, creating conflict-of-interest concern across councils.

In both Hanimaadhoo and Bilehfahi, the Civil Service Commission offered the affected SGs the option of transferring to another island council or stepping aside for the remainder of their terms. Both chose to remain in post.

The situation has also arisen in Baa atoll Dharavandhoo, where the SG has since opted to transfer to the council in Baa atoll Thulhaadhoo.

The Civil Service Commission Act prohibits individuals from holding senior administrative positions in offices where close relatives including spouses, parents, siblings or children serve as the elected head of the institution.