The President’s Office has confirmed that 5 February, will be observed as a government holiday.
This declaration is in accordance with the existing tradition that designates the day the President delivers the annual Presidential Address to Parliament as a government holiday.
The significant address will take place during the inaugural session of Parliament’s first term of the year, scheduled to commence at 9:00 am on the same day.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will attend the sitting and deliver the major policy statement, which will mark his third such address since assuming office.
The Presidential Address is a constitutional requirement under Article 84, mandating the Head of State to present a comprehensive overview of the nation's condition and to propose necessary measures for its continued progress and development.
Following the address, parliamentary procedure will commence. As per its rules of the procedure, the political party holding the second-largest number of seats, which is not affiliated with the President, is tasked with formulating an official reply. This duty falls to either the majority or minority leader of that party.
The rules further stipulate that the views of all members must be considered in drafting this response, which must be delivered within 14 days of the presidential address.