Unsure when extraordinary sitting can be held to approve cabinet

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) states they are unsure when an extraordinary sitting of the parliament, out of session, can be held to approve the 22-member cabinet of the new administration.

The Parliament’s Government Oversight Committee voted to approve President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Cabinet on Saturday, December 30^th, after the parliament broke for recess.

The Parliament had been scheduled to vote on the cabinet on December 18, but the original committee report was sent back to the committee, after Speaker Mohamed Aslam decided the report was incomplete, and because the committee hadn’t approved the mandate for government ministries.

The Committee completed the work and approved the motion on Saturday.

The same day, MDP had initiated efforts to collect signatures from MPs to hold an extraordinary sitting out of session.

Speaking to Sun regarding these efforts, MDP’s Hulhumale’ MP Ali Niyaz told Sun on Wednesday that enough signatures have been collected for an extraordinary sitting as of present. However, he stressed that many MPs were overseas at the moment, on holiday.

Therewith, he said he is unable to state a date the sitting can be held.

President Muizzu made a formal request for the approval of his Cabinet on November 20, two days after the new administration took office.

During the committee stage, Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz, a lawmaker from Maldives National Party (MNP), suggested voting in approval of all 22 Cabinet ministers as one. The motion was seconded by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed.

Five pro-government MPs voted in favor of the motion, while MDP lawmakers abstained.

Committee chair, Ibrahim Falah announced the motion had passed with a majority vote.