Parliamentarians representing the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) from southernmost Addu City have voted to reject the emergency motion submitted to the People’s Majlis, after deeming the power cuts issue in Addu City as an insignificant matter.
The emergency motion was submitted by MP for South Hithadhoo constituency Ibrahim Nazil, following to the frequent power outages in the connected districts of Addu City that have been causing significant difficulties for the basic livelihood of the city's residents.
The motion was rejected with 47 lawmakers voting against debating the issue. 13 lawmakers voted in favor of debating the emergency motion. Among the 13 lawmakers were 12 lawmakers representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Ahmed Azaan, the PNC lawmaker for Central Hithadhoo constituency.
The power outage issue in Addu remains unresolved, and the city's residents continue to face difficulties even during the ongoing fasting month of Ramadan. As a result of unpredictable power cuts, household electrical appliances have been damaged, and residents have even taken to the streets to protest during the fasting month.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had promised to resolve Addu's power cuts issue before the beginning of Ramadan. However, the emergency motion stated that due to the government's negligence in providing electricity to Addu City, the basic living conditions of the general public in the city have been severely affected this Ramadan.
However, among the lawmakers representing Addu City's constituents, the government members did not vote to accept the emergency motion. Except for Ahmed Azaan, the member for Central Hithadhoo constituency, the remaining members including Mohamed Shahid, member for Hulhudhoo constituency, and Ibrahim Didi, member for South Feydhoo constituency, did not vote.
In addition to this, Mohamed Sinan, member for North Hithadhoo constituency, Ismail Nizar, member for North Feydhoo constituency, and independent member Abdul Rahman, member for Meedhoo constituency, were absent from the Monday sitting where the emergency motion was submitted.