The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, has directed metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs), who have ended their tenure to hand over in accordance with law.

A statement issued on Thursday by Mr Charles Dondieu, Chief Director, said the directive “is in consonance with the law and should not be interpreted as a mass dismissal of district chief executives”.

The statement said those MMDCEs who “have performed creditably” could be reconsidered for nomination and appointment for another term by President when the assemblies are reconstituted after the district level elections scheduled for September 1.

Article 246 (2) of the 1992 constitution states: “Unless he resigns or dies or the earlier ceases to hold office under clause (3) of article 243 of this Constitution, the term of office of the District Chief Executive shall be four years; and a person shall not hold office as a District Chief Executive for more than two consecutive terms.”

Section 20 (5) of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act 462) also states: “Subject to subsection (4), the term of office of a District Chief Executive shall be four years in accordance with clause (2) of article 246 of the Constitution.”

The statement urged stakeholders and the public to follow the directive.