The People’s Majlis has scheduled the first reading of the government sponsored ‘Local Council Elections Special Bill 2020’, for Monday.

While the council elections were to be held on April 4, it was delayed to April 18 over Covid-19 fears. However, authorities are working to delay it further given the state of public health emergency declared across the country, until 6th January 2021 at the latest.

The special bill was submitted by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Hisaan Hussain, and has been placed on Monday's agenda, along with an amendment to the Constitution.

The Attorney General’s Office, who drafted the bill, said that the purpose of the bill is to delay the local council elections due to the health emergency declared as a precautionary measure. While it comprises of 10 articles, this includes a clause stating that the current councilors will remain in position until the Local Council Elections 2020.

To facilitate this, an amendment to the Constitution was submitted by Bilehdhoo constituency MP Ahmed Haleem, which will allow the current council officials to retain positions until an election is held and new officials take oath.

If the special bill is approved by parliament, elections commission officials are to resume work after authorities declare it safe and lift the state of health emergency.

Despite the delay, only those that have already applied can run. And those that were elected automatically, will assume office after the elections.

Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed, stated that the Majlis will begin work on the elections’ special bill, at a press conference held on Thursday.

While all government institutions have been closed for a third week, the People's Majlis has been convening online.