Parliament to hear 2017 Presidential Address tomorrow

The Parliament will hold the first session of this year tomorrow. The session will be held in Rannabandeyri Hall, Dharubaaruge and the President will announce his Presidential Address.

As per tradition, the Presidential Address is the only item on the agenda for tomorrow’s session. Clause 84 of the Constitution also states that the President must deliver his Address in the first session of the Parliament for the year.

The session, scheduled to start at 10 am, will conclude after President delivers his address.

Tomorrow’s Address will be the second Address delivered outside of the Parliament. Last year, the Address was given in Dharubaaruge as well. These sessions were the only sessions of the Parliament held outside the Parliament house.

President Yameen’s Presidential Addresses for 2014 and 2015 were held in the Parliament premises. The session for 2015 was marked by protests from MPs of MDP who had protested the 13-year jail verdict given on MDP Leader Mohamed Nasheed.

Clause 84 of the Constitution states that every year, the President has to deliver a statement, clarifying the status of the nation and what must be done to address the situation.