Local council members elected in the polls held last month have begun taking their oaths on Saturday in accordance to the Local Government Authority’s deadline. 

Council members for Himmafushi of Kaafu atoll, three councils in Molhadhoo, Thuraakunu, and Ihavandhoo islands of Haa Alifu atoll have taken their oaths. 

The oathing ceremonies for council members in Laamu atoll, Nilandhoo of Faafu atoll, and Olhuveli-Fushi of Lhaviyani atoll have also been held. 

Council members will swear into office in four sessions throughout the day. Council members for Lhaviyani atoll will take their oaths on Saturday night.

Further, the councils for Addu and capital city Malé will take their oaths in the evening as well. 

The Local Government Authority had on Friday stated that the council members must be sworn in by 20:30 on Saturday night. 

In the elections held on 6th May, members were elected to 653 council seats – 563 council members to 179 councils and 67 members to a total of 18 atoll councils. 

A total of 422 ballot boxes had been placed across the country on 6th May, for the polls in which the opposition had won with a significant difference. 

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party had acquired all seven seats for the council in Addu City, and all seats except one for Malé City Council. 

The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which had the most candidates contesting, and its coalition partner the Maldives Development Alliance had together acquired 210 seats.