Parliament rules changed: resolutions must pass a vote before debate, or be dropped

The Majlis (Parliament) has amended its Standing Orders so that a vote on whether to accept a resolution must be taken before any debate on it, and if the resolution is not approved by a majority, it will be immediately voided. The change to Article 191 of the Standing Orders was passed on Wednesday following an amendment submitted by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Abdulhannaan Abubakuru, which incorporated proposals from the government. The General Committee's report recommended removing a provision that allowed debate before the vote, an amendment proposed by Galholhu North constituency MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudhu), but it was rejected after 55 PNC members voted against it. The final change was approved with the support of 56 PNC members, while 11 MDP members voted against. PNC Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Falah said the opposition MDP will no longer be given the opportunity to present resolutions unless they first pass a vote, stating that future resolutions should express gratitude for the government's work or address issues such as funds held in accounts by former administrations. MDP members expressed concern that the change effectively gives the ruling party control over which resolutions can be debated.