The Parliament’s Standing Orders was amended on Tuesday to shorten the notice period for summons to attend parliamentary committees from five to three days.
The amendment was submitted by Ihavandhoo MP Ahmed Naseer, a lawmaker from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). The General Purposes Committee approved the amendment following a review on Monday.
The amendment passed the final floor vote on Tuesday with a unanimous vote of 50 – including the vote of Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad and Maavah MP Ahmed Shakir – politicians from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The amendment states that individuals must be summoned to parliamentary committees after a three-day notice – including non-working days.
During the review, the General Purposes Committee opinioned that the change will help expedite the work of committees.