The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has sought extraordinary sittings of the People’s Majlis, with the endorsement of one third of lawmakers.

In a letter addressed to Speaker and Former President Mohamed Nasheed, leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, Mohamed Aslam stressed that important work was pending by the time Majlis went into recess.

Aslam also expressed concern over the halting of parliamentary committees’ work.

The request to hold extraordinary sittings was made under Article 45 (d) of the People’s Majlis Standing Orders.

This provision requires the People’s Majlis to hold the extraordinary sittings as requested, within the next 14 days.

Speaker Nasheed acknowledged MDP’s request to extend the session and wrapped up the second parliament session on Thursday. Many other MPs representing the ruling party backed Aslam’s proposal to extend the session.

Some of the pending work at the People’s Majlis when it went into recess on Thursday include a no-confidence motion against the Deputy Speaker, as well as no-confidence motions against Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath.

In addition to this, work related to institutions, such as the appointment of a member to the Elections Commission and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission have also been halted at committee stage.

Several other important bills are also pending.

The second session of the People’s Majlis commenced on May 18. 14 sittings were held throughout the session.

Parliament will resume for the third session, in August 2023.