Gov’t Proposes Amendment to Local Council By-Election Schedule

The government has introduced a proposed amendment to the Local Council Act, suggesting that by-elections for local councils and women’s development committees be held twice a year.

The amendment, put forward by People’s National Congress MP Ismail Shafeeu of Isdhoo, seeks to extend the period for holding by-elections from the current requirement of 60 days to 183 days. If passed, the new regulation would mandate that by-elections occur biannually, with intervals between elections not exceeding 183 days and not falling below 120 days.

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However, alongside this proposal, the government has also suggested changes to the Decentralisation Act. Under the new provisions, by-elections would need to be conducted within 60 days in specific circumstances. For instance, if a council president or mayor’s position becomes vacant, a by-election must be held within 14 days. 

Similarly, if the position of Council Deputy President or Deputy Mayor is vacated, a by-election is required within 30 days. If the mayor or council president’s role remains unfilled when the deputy positions become vacant, a by-election must be organised within 7 days.

Additionally, if a vacant seat impedes the legal quorum for meetings, the amendment stipulates that a by-election must occur within 60 days.

This move follows concerns raised by the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) regarding the frequency of by-elections. Previously, the 19th Parliament had considered a proposal to hold by-elections annually, but this initiative did not progress.