In a move aimed at streamlining local governance and curbing unnecessary public expenditure, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 15th Amendment to the Decentralisation Act. The amendment, which was officially published in the Government Gazette on Monday, is now in legal effect.
The key provision of the new amendment addresses the frequent and costly issue of mid-term by-elections within island and atoll councils, as well as Women’s Development Committees (WDCs). Under the revised law, by-elections will no longer be required if a seat—such as that of a council chairperson or a WDC member—becomes vacant with 548 days or less remaining in the current term. However, an exception is made if the number of remaining members falls below the minimum required for quorum, in which case an election will still be held to ensure functional governance.
The change follows growing concerns about the rising number of mid-term vacancies across local councils, which have triggered multiple by-elections and placed a significant financial burden on the state. Officials say the new rules aim to reduce election-related costs and minimize disruptions to local government operations.
The amendment was passed during the 32nd sitting of the Parliament’s first session of 2025, held on May 15, before receiving presidential ratification.
The government has positioned the reform as a necessary step toward more sustainable and efficient local governance, particularly as the decentralised system continues to evolve. The administration believes the measure will help local councils operate more smoothly while easing the fiscal load on public resources.
