Mahdia Mayor, Deputy Mayor retract resignations

Last Updated on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, 22:13 by Writer

Days after resigning from their positions in the interest of their personal well-being, Mahdia’s Mayor Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain and Deputy Mayor Akita John rescinded their resignations without giving any reason.

Well-placed sources explained the likely political repercussions for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) if the resignations were not pulled back. With the mayor being a constituency elected councillor, she could be replaced only through a by-election. Regarding the deputy mayor, the source explained that she could have been easily replaced but the PPP would have ended with three of the seats.

In her letter of rescission dated February 2, Ms Romascindo-Hussain said “after careful consideration” she rescinded her resignation from February 1. She promised that “I will continue to serve the citizens of Mahdia to the best of my abilities.”

Ms John, who had intended to step down from February 7, simply rescinded her resignation. Ms John had said in her letter of resignation to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand that “after careful reflection, I have determined that the demands of the position have become increasingly challenging and are taking away significantly from my personal life. In order to maintain a healthy balance and attend fully to my personal responsibilities, I believe it is in the best interest of all concerned that I step aside at this time.”

Ms Romascindo-Hussain had said in her letter of resignation to Ms Manickchand and Junior Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai that “during my three years of work at the council was very challenging and continued to be causing my physical and mental health to be unstable.”

Amid speculation about whether her rescinded resignation was politically motivated, Ms Romascindo-Hussain issued a statement as mayor appealing to unknown persons to stop spreading false information.

She reiterated her commitment to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) and denied political interference by Ms Sukhai. “I would like to state that I have always been supported by the Hon. Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Hon. Pauline Sukhai and have never had any interference when it came to the work of the council and carrying out the duties of the Office of the Mayor,” she said.