Majlis to take vote on swearing-in Ibu on Nov. 11

People’s Majlis has made the decision to call a vote on whether President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) should be sworn-in on November 11.

Authorities previously announced Ibu’s swearing-in ceremony as the new Maldivian President will be held on November 17.

The date on which the new President should be sworn-in is under debate with many arguing he should be sworn in on November 11 as the current President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was also scheduled to be sworn-in on November 11, 2013, but the ceremony was delayed to November 17, 2013 due to unprecedented circumstances.

Speaking to press this Thursday afternoon, deputy speaker of People’s Majlis, Moosa Manik announced the intention of proposing a motion to urge the swearing-in ceremony to be held on November 11 at the next earliest Majlis sitting.

Moosa said the swearing-in ceremony will be held according to the date lawmakers decide on.

“I am going to propose a motion as Chair to clarify the People’s Majlis’ position as the President-elect’s Office has met with us twice about holding the swearing-in ceremony on November 11,” said Moosa.

Moosa said all arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect needs to be made by the People’s Majlis. He said it was important to submit the motion before the date and invitees to the swearing-in ceremony are decided.

He said he has also asked Speaker of Majlis, Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed to resume Majlis sittings in face of complaints by lawmakers over the suspension of Majlis sittings.

“I have asked the Speaker, and with his permission, we are trying to start Majlis sittings next Sunday,” said Moosa.

He noted that there was many legislative work pending at the Majlis, and said he expects the workload to increase once the Majlis opens.

He noted two bills submitted to abolish two laws, and the motion submitted to free former President Mohamed Nasheed currently pending at the Majlis.