Parliament has on Wednesday passed the amendments to Local Council Elections Act, specifically on the credibility to contest, allowing individuals with a past criminal record to run for office.

The bill - proposed by Holhudhoo constituency MP Ali Mohamed, a member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) – passed with 46 votes in favor, while 16 MPs voted against.

The bill had originally proposed that any individual convicted of a serious offence could contest the elections after two years since having served their sentence.

The parliamentary committee reviewing the bill had removed clauses that allowed sexual offenders to contest.

The version that passed states that individuals convicted of a sentence longer than a year, excluding serious offences, can only contest three years after having served their sentence. Drug trafficking offenders would have to wait a period of seven years after having served their sentence.

The proposal sparked tense debate on the parliament floor, with opposition MPs stating originally that allowing ‘thieves and rapists’ into local government is unacceptable.

While the opposition described it as an attempt to power the governments 'unlawful activity' and support its 'dishonorable candidates', PPM council member Yumna Maumoon said the bill contradicted their policies as well.

The bill’s passing has given room for speculation that the local council elections, now set for April, could see further postponement. The elections were to be held in January previously.