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.
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.
