The People’s Majlis has amended its Standing Orders to require a preliminary vote on resolutions before they can be opened for floor debate.
The amendment to Article 191 of the Standing Orders was proposed by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who aligns with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). The Majlis passed the amendment with 56 votes in favour, while 11 members voted against it.
During the review of the General Committee’s report on the amendment, MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) of the Galolhu North constituency proposed a counter-amendment to remove the provision. However, this was defeated by the PNC majority.
Under the new rules, a vote to accept a resolution must be held prior to the commencement of the introductory debate. The amendment further stipulates that if a resolution fails to secure a majority of support in this initial vote, it will be rejected immediately.
Previously, the Standing Orders mandated that once a resolution was introduced to the Majlis, a vote on whether to accept it would only take place after the conclusion of the debate.
While the Standing Orders grant every member the right to submit resolutions to bring various issues to the parliament's attention, today’s change will restrict the opportunity for members to introduce and debate resolutions on the floor.
