Additional sitting on Mon to debate on bill to delay elections

The Parliament has scheduled a second sitting for Monday, to hold the preliminary debate on a bill to ban national elections during the month of Ramadan.

The sitting is scheduled for 02:00 pm.

The amendment to the General Elections Act was submitted on behalf of the main opposition MDP – which holds a majority in the Parliament by Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifau on January 24.

The bill comes with the parliamentary elections set to take place on March 17 – which falls within the first week of Ramadan.

The Ramadan election date has sparked concern over a likely low voter turnout.

The term of the current parliamentary assembly expires on May 28, and the law dictates that the Elections Commission (EC) must initiate the process of holding the elections 120 days before the parliamentary term expires.

The EC has repeatedly stated that legal amendments are required in order to avoid holding the elections during Ramadan.

The second sitting will follow the inaugural sitting which starts at 09:00 am Monday – during which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will deliver his first address to the Parliament.

The MDP has announced it will boycott the address.