980 councillors to be elected in April
One-third of seats will be reserved for female candidates.
12 Dec 2019, 9:00 AM
The number of island, atoll and city councillors will increase to 980 in April’s council elections, of which 327 seats will be reserved for female candidates, the Elections Commission announced on Wednesday night.
The country’s first-ever gender quota was part of landmark changes brought to the decentralisation law as pledged by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which would also devolve powers for councils to provide utility services, maintain roads, repair harbours, carry out infrastructure projects under MVR5 million (US$324,250) and collect earnings from land rentals in their jurisdiction.
But the president has yet to ratify the amendments passed by parliament last Thursday.
On Sunday, Solih ratified a constitutional amendment that increased the term of local councils from three to five years. Parliament also revised article 231 for voters to directly elect mayors of cities and presidents of island and atoll councils. Mayors and presidents were previously chosen from among council members.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
