The Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced that councillors elected in the recent local council elections will be sworn in on May 17.

The authority stated that the swearing-in date has been determined in line with the Decentralisation Act, marking five years since the current council members took office on May 17, 2021.

In addition to councillors, members of Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) were also elected. However, LGA noted that WDC members will not take an oath, but will instead sign a declaration during the ceremony.

LGA said preparations for the swearing-in are already underway, with arrangements being made across the country. The authority added that magistrates will be assigned where necessary, including from nearby islands if one is not available locally, and that ceremonies may be conducted online depending on circumstances.

A total of 626 councillors were elected to island councils and 52 to city councils, while a similar number of members were elected to Women’s Development Committees. The Elections Commission is currently working to finalise and announce the official results of the polls.