The presidential address to kick off the parliamentary sessions for this year will not meet the expectations of the people, declared main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is scheduled to give his presidential address during the first parliamentary sitting of this year to be held February 6.
Lawmaker of Maafannu North Constituency Imthiyaz Fahmy criticised President Yameen's last presidential address as lacking in meeting the people’s expectations, going on to say that there is no indication this year’s will be any better.
“President Yameen’s presidential address talks and actions do not match. Everything he’s done has been in direct contrast [to what he promised],” said MP Imthiyaz.
He added that MDP is currently discussing whether or not to participate in the parliament meeting for the presidential address.
According to the 84th subject of the Constitution, the presidential address should emphasize the current national state and steps necessary to advance it. The address should also be given during the first sitting of the initial session.
The parliament sittings will be conducted in three sessions with the first session to be held from February till April. The regulation states that the first meeting should be held on the Monday or Thursday that follows the date of commencement.
The parliament had passed several bills and brought several amendments to the Constitution last year, which were widely criticised as depriving the people of their rights. However, pro-government lawmakers assert that those bills and amendments secure more rights of the citizens.
There have been scuffles between political parties during past presidential addresses, leading to some lawmakers being injured.
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