The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group has decided to boycott the "unconstitutional" extraordinary sessions of the parliament.
In a post on social media X, Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim said the emergency sessions were being held during the recess without giving proper notice and in contravention of Articles 83 and 88 of the Constitution.
The MDP believes that the purpose of these sessions is to rush changes to the Constitution without proper consultation.
The main purpose of the extraordinary sessions is to pass an amendment to the Constitution to hold presidential and parliamentary elections together, as well as amendments to the Pension Act, including facilitating the printing of money through Pension Fund. It also includes changing the Penal Code to make gambling punishable by imprisonment.
MP Mohamed Ibrahim said there is no constitutional crisis or state of emergency at this time and these sudden extraordinary sessions are being conducted without the full participation of the people's representatives and contrary to democratic principles.
If extraordinary sessions are proposed, they must be held within 14 days. However, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla started the sessions without adequate notice.
Some MDP members expressed this concern in yesterday's (January 5) session.
During the debate, Hulhumale' South MP Ahmed Shamheed said the sessions were being held in violation of the Constitution. But Abdul Raheem disagreed and said sessions must be held "within 14 days." However, in previous parliaments, extraordinary sessions were held on very serious matters after giving advance notice.
