Parliament of Maldives has amended the Constitution of Maldives to increase the term of local councils from 3 to 5 years. The amendment was passed with votes from 69 parliamentarians.
In addition to the increase of the term, the parliament also passed to elect mayors and presidents of island and atoll councils from a direct vote. The amendment further states the new changes must be follow in the next local council elections upon ratification by the president.
Citing the state has to bear significant financial difficulties to hold local council elections every 3 years, increasing the term of the local council was included in the electoral pledges of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The next local council elections is scheduled to be held on April 4, 2020.