Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Member of Parliament for Thulusdhoo Constituency Mohamed Waheed had filed an amendment to the Decentralization Act which grants Home Minister the right to order Elections Commission (EC) to hold a public no confidence vote against Councilors.
The amendment states that in the event an investigation carried out by the Local Government Authority (LGA) Board shows that the said Councilors are inept, then the Minister in charge of LGA can order EC to conduct a vote of no confidence.
The amendment states that there are five measures that can be carried out against such Councilors who fail to meet the responsibilities set for them. As such, citations and warnings are to be given prior to suspension of individual Councilors or the whole Councils. A no confidence vote is the next measure. Additionally, the Minister can appoint Managers to oversee specific projects.
The amendment states that if a Council or Councilor fails the no confidence vote, they will be removed from their positions effective immediately. In the event where the entire Council is suspended, a responsible official will be appointed to oversee the work of the Council under the guidance of LGA.
The amendment also states that in the event a Councilor resigns, an election need not to be held if the legal quorum is not affected by the resignation, even within the specified 45 days to hold an election.
He had also proposed in the Act that the President should have discretionary powers over Male’ City Council as well.