The Local Government Authority (LGA) has declared that Shujau Ali is no longer the President of Thinadhoo Council. He departed from the political party he belonged to upon being elected as the President of the Vaavu Thinadhoo Council and subsequently joined a different party.

Following Shujau's successful campaign for the President of Thinadhoo Council in the Local Council Election representing The Democrats, he became a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after the council's term commenced on 19th May and after The Democrats were disbanded.

A press release from LGA, issued today, revealed that the Elections Commission (EC) informed the LGA that Shujau registered with a different political party on 19th May, following his election as the President of Thinadhoo Council during the Local Council Election in April and after his term commenced.

LGA's announcement states that the Decentralization Act explicitly indicates that if elected officials switch parties during their term, they will forfeit their office.

It has been confirmed that Shujau has been removed from his role as the President of Thinadhoo Council, and the EC will be informed that the seat is open, all of which took place at an LGA board meeting on Tuesday, according to the statement.

Although it was determined that Shujau had forfeited his position, he had been suspended since the beginning of June until LGA reached a conclusion. In Shujau's absence, the council appointed the Vice President to lead.

In relation to the issue, Shujau mentioned to Mihaaru News earlier that he became a member of MDP after the EC informed The Democrats' management on 23rd April about the dissolution of their party.