Majlis Debates Bill to Limit Local Council By-Elections

The People’s Majlis today initiated debate on a proposed bill to limit the number of local council by-elections to a maximum of two annually.

The bill, introduced by Isdhoo MP Ismail Shafeeu, seeks to amend the Decentralisation Act, which currently mandates a by-election within 60 days of a seat becoming vacant.

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The proposed amendments suggest extending the timeframe for holding a by-election to 183 days after the local government authority notified the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) of a vacancy. The bill includes exceptions, allowing for a by-election to be held within the original 60-day period if the vacancy results in the council failing to meet the legal quorum.

In presenting the bill, MP Shafeeu expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of local council by-elections, noting that they now occur almost monthly. He argued that the frequent elections impose a financial burden on the state and that limiting the number to two per year would be more manageable. This change would allow all vacated seats during that period to be contested simultaneously.

During the debate, members of the ruling party echoed Shafeeu’s concerns, criticising the cost of by-elections and suggesting the need to reduce the size of councils.

The bill was accepted by the parliament with 84 votes and will now proceed to the Decentralisation Committee for further consideration.