Majlis approves extension of current session, citing "important pending matters"
12 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުދަ 09:17The People's Majlis has voted with a 58-member majority to extend its current session until August 20 to complete several key legislative tasks. This extension is largely attributed to pending amendments to the Decentralization Act that would allow the government to reclaim council lands; however, the move has drawn public criticism for prioritizing government-sponsored bills over other pressing legislative matters.
The 20th session of the People's Majlis is currently underway. | People's Majlis
The People's Majlis has voted to extend its current session until the 20th of this month, citing the need to complete several important legislative tasks.
During Wednesday's People's Majlis sitting, the chair proposed extending the current term until the 20th of this month, citing several matters of national importance that require completion. The motion to extend the session was passed unanimously, receiving the support of all 58 members present during the vote.
According to the Parliament's standing orders, the final sitting of a session must be held on the last Thursday or Monday of that term. Consequently, the final sitting for the current session was originally scheduled for Thursday, August 13. However, following a decision to extend the term, the current session will now continue until August 20.
The first session of Parliament this year was extended under the pretext of completing urgent legislative work. However, even during that extension, the proceedings focused solely on matters serving the government's interests. Specifically, the extension was utilized to facilitate the process of removing the Member for Dhiggaru constituency, Ahmed Nazim, from his position as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
It is believed that the proposal to extend the current session was made because work remains unfinished on the bill that would allow the government to reclaim land under the jurisdiction of local councils.
While many have expressed concern over a proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act that would allow the government to reclaim land and sites under local council jurisdiction for state development projects, pro-government lawmakers continue to defend the provisions of the bill.
Concerns are mounting among the public as the 20th People’s Majlis continues to cancel numerous sittings while fast-tracking only specific legislation sought by the government.
Some members have noted that prioritizing government interests in the conduct of parliamentary affairs is leading to a standstill, as other crucial legislative responsibilities fail to receive the necessary attention.
While the government maintains that extending the parliamentary term will provide the necessary opportunity to carry out legislative work, the public remains watchful of how this additional time will be utilized.
