Local Government Authority (LGA) has met with the Parliamentary Committee on Decentralisation due to an increased number of no-confidence motions against presidents and vice presidents of local councils.
Speaking at the meeting, President of LGA and Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla said the proper administration and functioning of councils are significantly affected due to no-confidence motions, during a time incumbent councilor terms have been extended in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Imran said LGA board believes it is best to impose obstructions on no-confidence votes, in order to facilitate the smooth running of councils. He said the meeting was arranged to propose an amendment to the Decentralisation Act in an effort to reduce no-confidence votes during this time.
LGA stated it has observed several attendance issues of councilors, in addition to other disciplinary issues and remarked the importance of councilors performing their duties in line with the regulations until new councilors are elected.
Local council elections were originally scheduled to be held last April. However, the elections have been postponed until next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a constitutional amendment passed by the parliament in June, the terms of incumbent councilors have been extended until new councilors can be elected.