MDP seeks extraordinary parliamentary sitting

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group has requested the Parliament for an extraordinary sitting.

Parliament went into recess on Thursday, after Speaker Mohamed Nasheed denied a request by MDP to extend the session.

Nasheed had presided Thursday’s sitting in a surprise move, after recusing himself citing the no-confidence motion against him.

At the sitting, MDP’s parliamentary group leader, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam proposed extending the session in order to finish pending works. Other MDP MPs also made repeated appeals for an extension.

Nasheed said that an extension can only be proposed by the presidency, and refused to do so.

He asked MPs to “respect” the agenda.

In a press conference by the MDP parliamentary group later Thursday, Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq said the party had made a formal request for an extraordinary sitting.

The request was submitted with the endorsement of 29 MPs, under Article 45 (d) of the Parliament’s Standing Orders.

Shafeeq said the provision requires the Parliament to hold an extraordinary sitting as requested within the next 14 days.

“We have asked to facilitate the work of parliamentary committees and the no-confidence motion against the speaker and deputy speaker,” he said.