Parliament has passed the government-backed amendment to the Decentralisation Act, scrapping the requirement to hold by-elections for local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) when a seat becomes vacant provided the remaining term is less than 1.5 years.

The amendment, submitted on behalf of the government by PNC MP for Hoarafushi, Ali Moosa, passed with 53 votes in favour. Opposition MDP members who had criticized the bill voted against it during the initial debate.

Under the revised law, no by-election will be held if a council president or member resigns or their seat otherwise becomes vacant with fewer than 548 days remaining in the council's term. Previously, the law exempted by-elections only when less than 365 days remained.

The bill also removes the requirement to hold a by-election when a seat on a Women's Development Committee becomes vacant regardless of how much of the term remains.

The change is aimed at reducing the frequency and cost of by-elections as the current council term nears its end.