MDP parliamentary group boycotts extraordinary parliament sittings
The first sitting took place on Monday, with another session scheduled for Tuesday.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group has decided to boycott the extraordinary sittings of the People’s Majlis, stating that the sessions are being used to expedite legislative matters, including a proposed constitutional amendment.
Members were informed on Sunday that an extraordinary sitting would be held. The first sitting took place on Monday, with another session scheduled for Tuesday.
The MDP Parliamentary Group’s secretary general, Mohamed Ibrahim, said in a post on X on Monday night that the group had decided not to attend the sittings.
He said the decision was taken based on legal advice that the sittings were unconstitutional and unlawful. He cited concerns that extraordinary sessions were being convened during the parliamentary recess without adequate notice.
He also said the sessions were being used to advance constitutional amendments in a manner that, in the party’s view, did not comply with Articles 83 and 88 of the Constitution. He added that there was no stated emergency or constitutional requirement to proceed at speed.
MDP members have raised concerns about the timeline for considering changes to the Constitution.
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the extraordinary sitting was convened in line with parliamentary rules. He said 31 members had signed a request for the session.
Under Rule 45 of the Rules of Procedure of the People’s Majlis, the Speaker is required to arrange an extraordinary sitting within 14 days if at least one-third of members submit a request stating the reasons.
