An amendment has been submitted to the Decentralization Act to forego by-elections for vacant positions in local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) if there are fewer than 548 days left for the election.
The government-backed bill was submitted by ruling PNC’s Hoarafushi MP Ali Moosa.
The amendments have been proposed to Articles 15, 29, 45, and 6-15 of the Decentralization Act.
Ali Moosa stated that the amendment was proposed to address increased vacancies in local council and WDC seats, which have led to frequent by-elections and a substantial rise in election-related expenses.
The amendment would bar holding by-elections if there are fewer than 548 days left for the election.
At present, the law allows to forego by-elections if there are less than 365 days left for the election.
Notably, the term of the incumbent local council and WDC members will expire next May.
According to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the government will be submitting 30 additional bills to the Parliament this year.
This includes bills to amend the Decentralization Act in order to:
Elect three-member councils in islands with populations under 2,000 people, and five-member councils in islands with populations above 2,000 people.
Elect three-member women’s development committees in islands with populations under 2,000 people, and five-member women’s development committees in islands with populations above 2,000 people.
Have presidents of women’s development committees elected through a direct vote.
Cap the number of city councilors at the current level.
Increase women’s quota in councils from 33 percent to 40 percent.
A total of MVR 2.15 billion has been allocated as block grants for councils this year.
As per the latest statistics published by the Finance Ministry, MVR 717 million of the allocated sum for block grants has been issued as of May 24th.