The Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) is set to undergo a major overhaul after the government tabled the Utility Regulatory Authority Act Amendment Bill, moved by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed.
The legislation proposes eleven amendments aimed at strengthening the authority’s administrative management, the most notable of which is an increase in the size of the URA board from five to seven members, in addition to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Under the current law, the board consists of five members who must possess professional education and experience in the fields specified by the Act, serving a single five‑year term. The amendment would raise the board to seven non‑CEO members, all of whom must meet the same professional qualifications, while the CEO would retain a seat but would not have voting rights on board decisions. Additionally, the bill allows non‑CEO board members to be appointed for more than one term, with re‑appointments made according to the same procedures used for initial selections, except for members removed by the board itself.
Other key provisions include a clarified quorum requirement for board meetings, a stipulation that board members be appointed within 30 days of presidential assent to the amended Act, and a stated goal of enhancing technical independence between utility operators and the regulator.
During parliamentary debate, Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeed praised the bill for creating a strong system of check and balance, arguing that stripping the CEO of voting power would prevent undue influence and give the board broader authority over executive decisions.
“It will encourage more transparency. Increasing the number of board members will open the door for technical advice,” he said, while also noting that the reforms aim to separate the administrative structure and functions of the board from operational duties, thereby facilitating smoother implementation of public services without conflict with other laws.
Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi echoed the sentiment, describing the legislation as a very important bill for the people that would centralise oversight and strengthen the regulatory framework.
However, members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party raised concerns, pointing out that the amendment does not specify the qualifications required for the CEO position and questioning whether the proposed changes would truly resolve existing systemic difficulties or merely add procedural complexity.