Parliament must be allowed to convene: IPU

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) said today that Parliament must be allowed to convene, and that a peaceful, democratic environment must be established at the Parliament.

In a press conference held at Nalahiyaa Hotel today, the IPU director of programs Mr. Martin Chungong said that the Parliament should be a place of productive efforts, and that no member has the right to impede the Parliament.

He said that the members who attempt to impede the Parliament should be asked to leave the chamber by the Majlis Speaker, and that IPU will not be part of this decision.

Mr. Chungong said that holding discussions in a democratic environment should be preferred over removing members from the chamber. This can only be achieved by leaders of political parties coming to an agreement.

A delegation of IPU had observed the events of 1 March from the parliament gallery, when efforts to open the parliament ended up being unsuccessful. An IPU delegation has arrived in Maldives to monitor the development of events tomorrow as well.