The Senate President flagged an error in the proceedings on Monday that brought the Municipalities Reform Act 2026 back to the Upper House for a third reading today
The Municipalities Reform Act 2026 has officially been defeated in the Senate.
Senators voted not to pass the bill by 6 votes to 5.
The bill was returned to the Upper House this Wednesday due to an oversight of the rules according to Standing Order 25. It was reported by the Royal Gazette that Senate President Joan Dillas Wright told senators on Monday that the bill faced a third reading because three senators voted against it triggering the order for Senators to vote at the next sitting.
The vote was held at 6.33pm Wednesday following the continuation of the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the Senate. No further debate on the Act was permitted during the sitting.
Government Senators including Senate Leader Attorney General Kim Wilkerson voted for the reform act, Opposition OBA senators voted no and all three independent senators voted no.
A decision on the future direction of the bill is expected to be delayed at least by another year.
Minister of Housing and Municipalities, Zane DeSilva, last week told media, the government will consider the next steps for municipal reform, including further engagement and consideration of any available legislative options.
The Senate was adjourned to Thursday morning.
