Parliament to temporarily observe 17th parliament's standing orders

Parliament has passed a motion to observe the standing orders enacted by the 17th parliament, until the 18th parliament can assemble new standing orders, as required by Article 88 of the Constitution.

The motion was passed unanimously with 72 votes, at the first sitting of the second session of the 18th parliament today. Parliament also convened a five-member committee to put together the new standing orders, which is to be assembled before the end of the second session.

The five-member committee is comprised of Kulhudhuffushi-South MP Mohamed Nasheed, Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir, Makunudhoo MP Anaara Naeem, Mathiveri MP Hussein Mohamed and Machangoalhi-South MP Mariya Ahmed Didi. The members were approved for the committee with 65 votes.

Speaker of the Parliament Abdulla Maseeh said the new standing orders will be discussed with leaders of political parties represented in parliament.

The 17th parliament passed its standing orders on 2 March 2010. As per normal procedure, the 17th parliament observed the 16th parliament’s standing orders until the enactment of its own standing orders.