Maldives to hold council by-elections twice yearly
The law earlier required a council by-election to be held within two months of a vacancy, leading to several by-elections and added costs.
President Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday ratified a bill to amend the law to hold by-elections for city, atoll and island councils twice a year instead of close together.
The president ratified the 12 amendment to the Decentralisation Act. The amendment was passed by parliament on August 7 at the 25th sitting of its second session this year.
The following changes were brought to the Decentralisation Act through this amendment:
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In the event that the positions of Atoll Council President, Island Council Members, and City Council Members become vacant, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must notify the Election Commission of any vacancy within 14 days, and to address such a vacancy, the Elections Commission must schedule a by-election within 183 days of the notification by the LGA. However, if the remaining term of the Council is 365 days or less at the time of the vacancy, the bill stipulates that it is not mandatory to hold a by-election to elect members for the vacant positions.
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The amendment also specifies that in the event that the position of vice president or deputy mayor of the council becomes vacant, these positions shall be filled within 30 days according to the procedure outlined in the Decentralisation Act.
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Additionally, due to vacancies in council member positions, if the quorum for council meetings is not met, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must inform the Elections Commission of the vacancies, and within 60 days of such notification, the Elections Commission must hold by-elections to elect members to these positions.
Following ratification, the act has been published in the government gazette and has now come into effect.
The law earlier required a council by-election to be held within two months of a vacancy, leading to several by-elections and added costs.
