NEOC was not consulted regarding Parliament sessions

The decision to hold actual Parliamentary sessions were not discussed with the health authorities of the country, NEOC has stated.

Speaking in a press conference tonight, National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez said that NEOC nor HPA were consulted in making the decision to conduct Parliamentary sessions inside the Majlis building.

The Parliament had earlier announced today that sessions were to be held in the Parliamentary building starting from tomorrow. Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed had also stated that he had informed the Director-General of Public Health Maimoonaa Aboobakuru that it was impractical to wait until May 28 to hold sessions.

Responding to a question by a journalist tonight when he said that no discussions were consulted with the NEOC in conducting sessions.

“I believe that they are doing it under the guidelines and after discussions regarding the matter. I am informed that no such efforts have been made in an official capacity.” Said Mabrouq.

He added that he had clarified whether any such documents had been received before the presser. No such documents were received and Mabrouq said that the Parliament had contacted the NEOC, but had only clarified when the lockdown order was to be relaxed.

“They had not requested for any consultations.” Said Mabrouq.

Nasheed had said in a Whatsapp group of the Parliament that he had observed most MPs wishing to hold actual sessions. The Speaker added that a guideline of how the sessions are to be conducted will be issued by the Parliament’s administration.

Nasheed said that he was hesitant to carry out the Parliamentary debates regarding the work to amend the Constitution anywhere other than the Parliament building.

Only 42 MPs will be allowed inside the session at the same time. Social distancing measures will also be implemented in seating arrangements. Under special arrangements made, MPs will be required to leave the session after voting to make way for the remaining MPs to take part in the vote.