Sittings halted for two days, lawmakers accuse Pres. Muizzu

The government has drawn immense public criticism over the halting of sittings of the People’s Majlis.

After an extended holiday for the last 10 days of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, sittings of the People’s Majlis resumed on April 7.

MP for Dhiggaru Constituency Ahmed Nazim chaired Monday’s sitting.

Nazim said that the date of the next Majlis sitting would be announced later.

Although sittings are usually held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, sittings were not held last Tuesday and Wednesday. The chair has not publicly announced the reason for not holding the sittings.

Although Majlis sittings were not held, some committee work continued on Tuesday. Further, it is also scheduled for Wednesday.

Regarding the issue, MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem said that sittings are not being held because the People’s Majlis has been turned into a counter for Mulee'aage, the presidential residence.

Referring to the work of the parliament, MP Meekail said that summons notices for witnesses are piling up and that the reason for not holding the sittings, remains unknown. MP Meekail also accused that sittings are not being held directly due to orders from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

As many people criticized the government for not holding parliament sessions, Ibrahim Falah, Parliamentary Group (PG) leader of the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and MP for Inguraidhoo constituency, told some media outlets that although there are no sittings, work is being done in parliament. MP Falah also noted that lawmakers sometimes work on parliament matters even while on leave.

According to Article 47 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure, parliament sittings must be held at least three days a week.