MDP calls to reconvene parliament earlier

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has sent a letter to Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Shahid, proposing to reconvene the parliament earlier than previously scheduled.

Speaking to reporters near the Supreme Court today, MDP Parliamentary Group President, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that since the first round of the presidential election, democratic principles are not being followed in the country.

“The parliament is made up of elected representatives of the people. So given the current situation, even though the parliament is in recess, MDP has sent a letter to the speaker of parliament requesting to reconvene the parliament as soon as possible, to facilitate taking necessary action via the parliament,” said Solih.

When asked about the action that can be taken by the parliament, Solih mentioned the current activities undertaken by the attorney general against a State institution. He said that the parliament can take action in various areas, but did not provide details.

He said that he was confident that Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) parliamentary group will support MDP's proposition to hold a parliament sitting as soon as possible.

MDP and DRP parliamentary groups are made up of 34 and 9 members respectively. Not all DRP parliamentary group members support MDP.

Article 33 (d) of the Parliament Regulation states that if one-third of the parliament or 26 MPs propose with signatures to the speaker of the parliament to hold a sitting during recess, the speaker of the parliament must comply and hold a sitting within 14 days including public holidays.