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Parliament discusses committee formation

Mariyam Malsa
02 June 2019, MVT 11:58
The premises of the Parliament. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/ MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
02 June 2019, MVT 11:58

The Parliament, on Friday, commenced discussions to form 13 permanent parliamentary committees.

Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Aslam revealed to local media outlet Mihaaru that efforts to form committees would be carried out according to the counsel of leading members of the parties represented in the parliament.

Aslam said that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main party of the ruling coalition, intended for opposition parties to have equal representation within the committees. Aslam had expressed interest in becoming the Parliament Speaker, however, he relinquished his plans at the last minute.

The most influential committees are the Committee on National Security, Committee on Independent Institutions, Economic Affairs Committee, Public Finance Committee, the National Accountability Committees and the Committee on Security Services.

The remaining committees are the Social Affairs Committee, National Development Committee, General Purpose Committee, Committee on Petitions, Committee on Privileges, Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Secondary Legislation.

It is presumed that MDP will secure a majority in all influential committees with the exception of National Accountability Committee. MDP currently holds a majority of 65 out of 87 seats.

The opposition coalition of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) only attained eight seats.

PPM previously attained a super-majority during the presidency of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. During the period, there were criticisms that the opposition's ability to hold the parliament accountable were curtailed. The opposition claimed that the parliament existed only to provide 'rubber stamps' for the PPM-led government.

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