12 reinstated MPs invited for Monday’s Majlis meeting

The 12 lawmakers reinstated to the People’s Majlis by Supreme Court order have been invited to the special Majlis meeting scheduled for Monday.

Some of the reinstated MPs who spoke to “Sun” confirmed they were sent invitations. Some of the MPs even shared their invitations over social media, including reinstated Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim (Lawyer Wadde).

Election Commission had declared earlier that the 12 MPs have lost their parliamentary seats. But the Supreme Court ordered on February 1 to immediately reinstate the 12 MPs.

The Supreme Court order came before the Majlis began its sessions for the year 2018.

The Majlis is yet to launch the sessions for 2018, with the opening sitting, scheduled for February 5, cancelled for security reasons amid the political turmoil.

The former Secretary-General of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Mohamed stated there was no longer any barrier constricting the 12 MPs from attending People’s Majlis sittings, before he resigned.

The People’s Majlis Secretariat announced a special Majlis session will be held on Monday, at 9 am.

The Majlis Secretariat has not disclosed any details regarding the meeting.

The announcement for a special Majlis meeting comes as the 15-day State of Emergency draws to a close. The State of Emergency was invoked on February 5, and will end on Tuesday, February 20.

It’s likely Monday’s special meeting is to make a decision regarding the State of Emergency.

The Constitution calls for the reason for the invocation of a State of Emergency to be submitted to the Majlis within 48 hours. And if a State of Emergency is invoked before the Majlis session begins, then a meeting must be scheduled and a decision made within 14 days.

The declaration of a State of Emergency must be backed by the Majlis. The Majlis has the authority to cancel the decree, and grant any extension to the period.