Measures taken to curb Covid-19 spread is 'no excuse' to halt parliament work: speaker

Measures taken against Covid-19 is no excuse to halt the work of the People’s Majlis, says Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed.

The speaker made the statement at a meeting held with the parliamentary group leaders and committee heads on Tuesday, and stressed that the parliament work must continue in accordance with the measures enacted.

Maldives declared a state of public health emergency on March 12, and while the emergency was to end on April 11 it has been extended to April 30. In addition to this, government offices have been closed for the past four weeks, and schools and other educational institutes have been closed as well, while congregational prayers have been suspended until April 18.

Due to the measures taken to curb the spread of coronavirus, the People’s Majlis had resumed sittings via video conferencing two weeks ago.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Nasheed stressed that there is no known end to the current crisis but that some health experts estimate it to continue for over 200 days.

The speaker stated that it is not possible to halt parliament sittings and committee work for such a duration.

He added that there is important work to be finished, including the ‘Local Council Elections Special Bill 2020’.

While authorities have been urging all to practice physical distancing, Nasheed stressed that Majlis work can continue in line with the agency’s guidelines.

While the speaker noted that the most effective way is to conduct sittings at the People's Majlis building, most of the members in attendance at the meeting were in favour of continuing the committee meetings at there.