Amendment seeks to shorten parliament session for recess in Ramadan

An amendment has been submitted to the standing order of the parliament to cease parliamentary sittings during the holy month of Ramadan and conclude the ongoing session of the parliament at the end of this month.

The amendment was proposed by ruling PNC’s South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifaau.

Parliamentary sittings are divided into three sessions every year. They are as follows:

• First session: Between February 1^st to May 15^th
• Second session: Between June 1^st to August 15^th
• Third session: Between October 1^st to November 1^st

Rifau proposed to cut short the first session of the year which commenced on February 6^th.

However, the amendment states the remaining parliamentary sessions of the year will proceed as per the standing order. Moreover, it states the amendment will only be enforced for the first session of this year.

Parliamentary sittings are usually held during Ramadan as well. However, they are shortened to two hours.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are government holidays under an electoral pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.