The Local Government Authority (LGA) has declared that Vaavu Thinadhoo Council President Shujau Ali has lost his council seat after switching political parties.

The LGA said Shujau, who was elected on a The Democrats ticket, no longer qualifies to hold office under the Local Government Act after registering with another political party during his term.

Following the decision, the authority has transferred the administrative responsibilities of the Thinadhoo Council to the council's vice president until further arrangements are made.

Shujau had been suspended from his duties about a month ago after switching his membership to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), pending a final decision by the LGA Board.

The LGA noted that the law requires any councillor elected on a political party ticket to vacate their seat if they join another political party while serving in office.