Amendment proposed to allow Councillors to re-contest for posts

An amendment has been proposed to the Local Council Act to allow Councillors who hold elected positions described in the Constitution, to contest in local council elections.

This amendment was proposed today by Hithadhoo-south MP Hassan Latheef, who said that the main purpose of proposing the amendment is to eliminate the obstructions faced by persons who hold elected positions as per the Constitution, to contest in elections for council members.

Hassan Latheef proposed to remove article 12 (a) (6) of the Act on Council Elections which states that persons who contest in council elections should not hold any position elected under the Constitution.

If this amendment is passed by the Parliament, already elected Councillors can contest in the next council elections.

Several MPs spoke in support of the amendment at today’s Parliament sitting.