The House of Assembly gave the green light to legislation that allows for municipal elections due this year to be held in 2026.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said the passage of the Municipalities Amendment Act 2025, which called for the elections to be held next year, will not result in financial obligations to the corporations of Hamilton and St George.

A legal battle with the Corporation of Hamilton over the fate of the municipalities came after MPs approved legislation in 2019, giving the minister responsible for the bodies the power to appoint mayors and half the councillors, with the rest of the councillors chosen by a selection committee.

Although it was turned away by the Upper House, the corporation took the case to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Britain’s highest appeals court, last December.

Mr DeSilva said on Friday that proceeding with the elections could result in legal challenges if the Privy Council’s decision leads to changes.

“Timing of the court decision is entirely out of government control,” he told the House, as he noted that the Parliamentary Registrar is prepared to carry out the requisite functions when the elections become possible.

Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister of Housing, Municipalities and Home Affairs, suggested that the elections should go ahead.

He said eligible candidates should be allowed to “put their names forward” and stand in the elections.

Government MP Kim Swan contended that the elections should be held after the Privy Council makes its ruling.

The Corporation of Hamilton was unsuccessful in the Supreme Court and in the Court of Appeal when it argued that it would be deprived of its property and its right to the protection of law if the municipalities reform Bill from 2019 and parts of various associated amendment Acts came into effect.

Although senators rejected the legislation, the corporation continued with its claim to the island’s highest court of appeal on the basis that the Bill could be presented in the House of Assembly again, when it would no longer need the approval of the Upper House.

The matter is awaiting the Privy Council’s judgment.