President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the twelfth amendment to the Decentralization Act (Act No. 07/2010) on Sunday, marking a significant update to local governance procedures. The amendment, which was approved by Parliament on August 7, 2024, during the 25th sitting of its second session this year, introduces several key changes to the Act.
Among the notable modifications, the amendment stipulates that if the positions of Atoll Council President, Island Council Members, or City Council Members become vacant, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must notify the Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) within 14 days. The ECM is then required to schedule a by-election within 183 days of receiving the notification. However, if the remaining term of the council is 365 days or less at the time of the vacancy, holding a by-election is not mandatory.
The amendment also addresses the filling of vacancies in the roles of vice president or deputy mayor of councils. These positions must be filled within 30 days following the procedures outlined in the Decentralization Act.
Additionally, if the quorum for council meetings cannot be met due to vacancies, the LGA must notify the ECM. The ECM is then tasked with organizing by-elections within 60 days to fill these positions.
The ratified amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and is now in effect.
Among the notable modifications, the amendment stipulates that if the positions of Atoll Council President, Island Council Members, or City Council Members become vacant, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must notify the Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) within 14 days. The ECM is then required to schedule a by-election within 183 days of receiving the notification. However, if the remaining term of the council is 365 days or less at the time of the vacancy, holding a by-election is not mandatory.
The amendment also addresses the filling of vacancies in the roles of vice president or deputy mayor of councils. These positions must be filled within 30 days following the procedures outlined in the Decentralization Act.
Additionally, if the quorum for council meetings cannot be met due to vacancies, the LGA must notify the ECM. The ECM is then tasked with organizing by-elections within 60 days to fill these positions.
The ratified amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and is now in effect.
