Parliament’s session extended to Dec 15

The Parliament on Wednesday voted to extend the last session of this year to December 15.

The legislative assembly had been set to conclude the third session of the year and go into recess on November 30.

But on Wednesday afternoon, parliamentarians voted by 68-11 to extend the current session until December 15.

Also on Wednesday, the Parliament passed a state budget of MVR 56.6 billion for next year, despite criticism regarding the lack of specifics on how the money will be spent. The recommendations passed by the Budget Committee which would have required the government to submit details regarding government-funded projects next year and provide quarterly updates regarding the projects throughout the year were rejected.

The Parliament also passed four more bills; a bill to amend the Sports Act, the urban development bill, the state debt bill, and the fiscal responsibility bill.

The decision to extend the session came a day after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to submit key amendments to the Drug Acts this week, and a new anti-gang crime bill within two weeks.