President Muizzu Ratifies Utility Regulatory Authority Act to Strengthen Governance

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the second amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) Act, introducing key changes designed to enhance the administrative governance and oversight of the regulator. The legislation was passed by the Maldivian Parliament during its 25th sitting of the second session on Monday, August 17. With the presidential ratification and subsequent publication in the Government Gazette, the amended law has officially taken effect. Central to the amendment is the expansion of the URA Board of Directors, which will increase from five to seven members. This restructuring ensures broader representation and expertise within the regulatory body. Notably, the board will now include the Chief Executive, a position appointed directly by the president. To ensure legal compliance and institutional rigor, the updated Act mandates that a legal professional must serve on the board. It also establishes formal, standardized procedures for the conduct of board meetings to ensure transparency and efficiency in decision-making processes. Additionally, the amendment revises the criteria governing the eligibility, appointment, and terms of service for board members. This is intended to streamline the leadership transition and maintain a high standard of professional qualification within the authority. The government has stipulated a strict timeline for the implementation of these changes, requiring the appointment of the additional board members within 30 days of the Act coming into force. The Utility Regulatory Authority plays a critical role in overseeing essential services across the Maldives, and these governance reforms aim to make the body more resilient and capable of managing the nation's utility infrastructure as demand grows across the atolls.