Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has revealed the Parliament of the Maldives conducted 42 sittings during the first parliamentary term of 2020.
Speaking at a press conference held to provide information on the work undertaken during the first parliamentary term of the year, Speaker Nasheed said 42 parliament sittings were conducted from February to June, with sittings held regularly and continuously despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighting the difficulties faced in carrying out work during the lockdown imposed in the country, the speaker acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of parliamentarians and administrative staff in completing important bills and resolutions.
The speaker further noted the parliament has decided to begin the second term of the year without going to recess, in order to complete important pending work. As such, he noted the parliament is currently working on 4 bills identified as high-priority bills, including the minimum wage bill and the education bill.
As per the statistics of the first parliamentary term of 2020, the parliament worked on 13 new bills and 41 bills which were carried forward from the previous term, with 4 bills reaching completion during this period. The parliament also deliberated on 13 new resolutions and 15 resolutions carried forward from the previous term, completing 8 resolutions.
Meanwhile, the government initiated 12 motions at the parliament during the first term, with 9 of them reaching a conclusion. All emergency motions submitted during this period has been completed.
Furthermore, the parliament worked on 20 reports during the first term of the year, while 11 reports reached completion. Parliamentarians raised 26 questions for ministers during this period, with 15 questions answered by ministers.
The parliament speaker noted the dedication of parliamentarians and administrative staff to complete pending tasks despite difficulties caused by COVID-19.