The bill submitted to the Parliament of Maldives by the government to postpone the local council elections has been sent to the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions for review.
The bill, which is titled as the special bill on local council elections, was submitted to set the latest date for elections as January 6, 2021. The bill states the elections can be conducted after health authorities lift the State of Health Emergency declared in the nation following the COVD-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the bill states the candidates’ lists cannot be altered despite the postponement of elections. The bill also states the suspension of civil servants contesting in the elections must be lifted.
Local council elections were initially scheduled to be held on April 4. However, the election has been postponed indefinitely following the declaration of State of Health Emergency. A constitutional amendment has been submitted to the parliament to allow incumbent councillors to remain in their posts until new elections are held.