MPS of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) attempted to disrupt the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today as they delivered the formal response to the Presidential Address.
The PNC holds 74 seats in the People's Majlis, while the MDP is represented by 12 MPs.
As MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil began delivering the rebuttal during today's sitting, MPs of the ruling party began shouting and rising from their seats in protest on the chamber floor.
Among those involved in the disruption was the Majority Leader, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah.
Presiding over today's sitting, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim named several MPs and ordered them to respect the parliamentary rules of procedure.
Under Article 84 of the Constitution, the President is required to deliver a Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of Parliament each year, outlining the state of the nation and recommending measures to improve the country's situation.
According to the Parliament's Standing Orders, following the Presidential Address, the party with the largest representation in Parliament other than the President's party (represented by the Majority or Minority Leader) must prepare and deliver a response.
The response to the Presidential Address must be prepared by incorporating the views and perspectives of all parties and independent MPs in Parliament, excluding those belonging to the President's party. The regulations also mandate that the response be broadcast live, following the same protocol as the delivery of the Presidential Address.
