Committee to conclude review of constitutional bill within 10 days

The parliamentary committee reviewing the government’s proposed constitutional amendment on Monday decided to complete its review within 10 days, opening the bill for public comment.

The amendment was submitted by Ibrahim Falah, parliamentary group leader of the People’s National Congress, on behalf of the government.

The People’s Majlis accepted the bill for debate on Monday afternoon. The proposed amendment seeks to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date and to shorten the term of the current parliament.

Following acceptance, the bill was referred to the Independent Institutions Committee for review. The committee decided to invite public submissions on the proposal until Thursday, 15th of this month.

Parliament has requested that written comments be submitted by 2pm on the closing date.

During a brief committee meeting, members also agreed on a deadline for completing the committee’s review of the bill. The proposal to finalise the review before 15th of the month was submitted by the committee’s vice-chairman, Abdulla Shareef, a member of the PNC.

The motion was seconded by Ibrahim Didi, also of the PNC, and was passed unanimously.