President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the second amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act, introducing changes aimed at strengthening the administrative governance of the regulator.
The Bill was passed by the Parliament at its 25th sitting of the second session of 2026 on Monday, 17 August.
Under the amendment, the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) Board of Directors will increase from five to seven members. The board will include the Chief Executive, who is appointed by the president.
The changes also require a legal professional to serve on the board and set out formal procedures for the conduct of board meetings. The amendment further revises the procedures governing the appointment, eligibility and terms of board members.
The government said the additional members required under the new structure must be appointed within 30 days of the amended Act coming into force.
Following presidential ratification and publication in the Government Gazette, the amended legislation has now taken effect.