Lawmakers travel for campaign under Speaker Nasheed's guidance

Parliamentarians have begun traveling to atolls for the campaign in the upcoming local council elections, under the instruction of Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. 

Nasheed said yesterday that any lawmaker who wished to travel to their constituency for campaign purposes would be allowed to do so by him when requested. 

Today’s Parliamentary sitting saw the attendance of just 27 lawmakers, with seven on leave. Three of these lawmakers are from the city of Fuvahmulah in the south. 

Speaker Nasheed said that the three MPs all took leave to depart to their constituency for campaign purposes. He said that he had instructed the lawmakers to do so. 

“The three honorable MPs of Fuvahmulah have left to their constituency for campaigning purposes. I informed them, that the most appropriate way would be to return in one day after taking leave,” said Nasheed. 

The permitting of lawmakers to travel for campaigning comes after Mavashu MP Mohamed Saeed who represents opposition coalition parties called for equal campaigning opportunities to be allowed for all parties, with the submission of an emergency issue. 

Several MDP members debating on the issue called on the opposition to adapt to the situation and learn how to campaign in the manner the situation provided.