President ratifies amendment expanding URA board to 7 members

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday ratified an amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act increasing the number of members on the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) Board of Directors from five to seven.

The government-sponsored bill was introduced in Parliament on 29 July by PNC MP for Vilufushi Hassan Waheed. Parliament passed the amendment last Monday.

Under Section 6 of the previous law, the URA board consisted of five members, including a Chairperson appointed from among the members.

The amendment adds two positions to the board: the Chief Executive of the URA and a member with expertise in law.

While the Chief Executive will sit on the board, the position will not carry voting rights in board decisions.

The previous five-member structure did not require a board member representing the legal field.

Appointments to the two positions must be completed within 30 days of the amendment taking effect.

The amendment also changes the rules governing the terms of board members.

Under the previous law, a member could serve only one five-year term. The amended law allows members to be appointed for more than one term, except where a member has been removed from office.

The URA Chief Executive is responsible for the authority’s day-to-day operations and management. Under the previous legislation, the Chief Executive was not a member of the board and was responsible for implementing decisions taken by it.

The Chief Executive position carries a rank equivalent to Director General under the Civil Service Commission’s structure.