Extraordinary Parliamentary Sitting Scheduled to Debate Parliamentary Elections

An extraordinary session of the parliament has been convened for Thursday to deliberate on a proposed argument aiming to postpone the parliamentary elections, presently slated to occur during the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement of this parliamentary sitting on Thursday was made by the Speaker yesterday, following the conclusion of the vote on ministerial approvals.

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Mohamed Abdullah Shafeeg, parliamentary group spokesperson for the main opposition party MDP representing Velidhoo constituency, stated that Thursday’s session will focus on amending the General Election Act to preclude the scheduling of elections during Ramadan.

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has designated March 17 for the parliamentary elections, coinciding with the seventh day of Ramadan. Concerns have been raised by segments of the public and political factions regarding the feasibility of holding elections during this sacred month.

The ECM contends that the timing of the parliamentary elections aligns with unavoidable dates and occasions within Ramadan, necessitating legal adjustments to reschedule them. 

Conversely, the opposition MDP has accused the ECM of being swayed by government influence to expedite elections early in Ramadan.