Extraordinary sitting sought to postpone parliamentary election

The Democrats’ leader Hassan Latheef, on Wednesday, a request has been filed seeking an extraordinary parliamentary sitting out of session in order to postpone the parliamentary election slated for Ramadan.

Speaking at a joint press conference held by opposition parties The Democrats and MDP on Wednesday – Hassan Latheef said major concerns have been received from individuals engaging in politics and members of the general public following the Elections Commission (EC)’s decision to hold the parliamentary election in Ramadan.

Therewith, Hassan Latheef said The Democrats and MDP, following discussions, decided to file a request to hold an extraordinary sitting out of session.

“Following discussion between our two parties, we, yesterday, filed a request to hold an extraordinary sitting out of session with the parliament,” he said.

Hassan Latheef cited the biggest priority as amending the Elections Act as soon as possible, adding the ideal time to hold the parliamentary election is after Ramadan and the Eid holidays.

At Wednesday’s press briefing, both parties also announced their decision to work together in the Parliament as a responsible opposition to hold the government accountable.

However, they will be contesting the parliamentary elections separately for all constituencies.

Prior to this, EC’s Chairperson Fuad Thaufeeq said the commission was forced to the parliamentary election in Ramadan because the law had not been amended ahead of time.

He described amending the law as something which parliamentarians do not believe in.

Fuad said the election could have been held ahead of Ramadan if the law had been amended to dictate the parliamentary election should be announced 140 days ahead of the expiration of the ongoing parliamentary session, instead of the 120 days stipulated by the law at present.