The Government has proposed a new amendement to the Decentralization Act to restrict by-elections for local councils and Women's Development Committees (WDC) if less than one-and-a-half years (548 days) remain in their term.

The bill was introduced to Parliament by Horafushi MP Ali Moosa on behalf of the Government.

The proposed changes aim to curb the growing frequency and financial burden of by-elections, which have become more common due to mid-term vacancies. Under the amendment, by-elections would no longer be mandatory if the remaining term of a council or committee is 548 days or less.

Currently, by-elections are not required if a term has less than one year remaining. However, if vacancies prevent councils or committees from meeting quorum, members can still be appointed. The proposed amendment retains this provision but mandates that the Election Commission must organise a by-election within 60 days if appointments are necessary to meet quorum.

The bill seeks to balance cost-efficiency with operational functionality of local bodies.