Majlis Adopts Rule Change Requiring Preliminary Vote on Resolutions Before Floor Debate

The People’s Majlis has voted to amend its Standing Orders to mandate an initial floor vote on resolutions before any preliminary debate can take place, establishing a procedural hurdle that effectively curtails automatic parliamentary debate on private members’ motions.

The revision to Article 191 of the Majlis Standing Orders was passed today, following the adoption of the General Purpose Committee’s report, which endorsed the amendment originally introduced by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakur (Thulhaadhoo).

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Lawmakers approved the committee’s report with 56 votes in favour and 11 against, with 67 members participating in the ballot.

Under the newly endorsed clause, any resolution submitted to the People’s Majlis must be put to an immediate vote to determine whether the chamber will accept it. If the initial acceptance vote succeeds, MPs proceed to a preliminary floor debate before the motion is sent to the relevant standing committee. 

However, if the preliminary vote fails, the resolution is voided immediately without any general debate.

Prior to the final vote, MP Mohamed Ibrahim introduced an amendment seeking to remove the contentious provision, arguing against shutting down debate before lawmakers could discuss the issues raised. That amendment was overwhelmingly defeated, receiving only 11 votes in favour and 55 against among the 66 MPs present.

Under previous parliamentary rules, every lawmaker retained the statutory right to table a resolution drawing attention to pressing public affairs, with the vote on its acceptance taking place only after preliminary debate had concluded on the chamber floor.

Critics contend that by requiring an upfront vote, the ruling majority can now dismiss contentious resolutions and motions from opposition or independent MPs before they can be discussed publicly during parliamentary broadcasts.