People's Majlis absent for second straight day as reason remains unclear
MDP members and the general public have voiced strong criticism following the suspension of People's Majlis sittings without a specified reason. As members express concern over the failure to hold sessions in violation of parliamentary regulations, efforts to obtain a comment from the Speaker regarding the legislative deadlock have remained unsuccessful.
From a sitting of the People's Majlis. | RaajjeMV
The People's Majlis failed to convene for its scheduled session today, with the parliamentary secretariat offering no official explanation for the cancellation.
This marks the second consecutive day that a People’s Majlis sitting has been canceled without any reason being provided. Although the Parliament’s standing orders mandate that sittings be held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, no sittings were scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday.
Several members of Parliament have noted that the Majlis Secretariat has failed to inform them of the specific reasons behind the cancellations. Expressing their concern, some members highlighted that the lack of clarity regarding the suspension of sittings remains a significant issue.
The Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, did not respond to phone calls from this newspaper seeking clarification on why parliamentary sittings have been suspended and when the next sitting is scheduled to take place.
Regarding the matter, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency, stated that the Parliament Secretariat has not officially informed members of the reason behind the suspension of sittings. Ibrahim further noted that he has received information from an unofficial source suggesting that parliamentary sittings are not expected to resume until next Monday.
Members of the People’s Majlis representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are repeatedly expressing concern over the cancellation of parliamentary sittings without any clear justification. Furthermore, these members have consistently highlighted that committee meetings are not proceeding effectively, noting frequent cancellations and a general standstill in essential parliamentary work. Public criticism is also mounting as the legislature fails to function at full capacity despite members receiving substantial salaries. Many have voiced frustration over the lack of progress in parliamentary affairs and the perceived failure of lawmakers to fulfill their duties.
The 20th People's Majlis has been characterized by frequent sitting cancellations and a persistent failure to achieve meaningful legislative progress.
