Male, March 31 (newsin.asia): The Maldives People’s Majlis (Parliament of Maldives) has shifted online, to ensure continuous functioning of Parliament as the country adapts to social- distancing measures due to the coronavirus threat.
The first online sitting was held on Monday, 30 March, using Microsoft Teams software. The Parliament debated on a motion moved by the House Majority Leader, on the Government’s proposed financial support program as the country prepares for the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sitting was chaired by Hon. President Mohamed Nasheed MP, Speaker of the People’s Majlis and was attended by seventy-one parliamentarians out of eight seven. Legislatures participated, debated, and voted on the motion, from their homes, following protocol newly incorporated and adapted for this alternative, online measures.
The parliamentary sitting was broadcast live, as standard, online on local TV channels and streamed live on the Majlis YouTube channel.
Speaking during the sitting, the Speaker, Hon. President Mohamed Nasheed MP said: “While the world remains under lockdown, it is imperative that the institutions of democracy remain open, and that the people can see their elected representatives work. MPs must remain with the people, especially during these difficult times.”
(The image at the tp is that of Maldivian parliamentary Speaker Mohamed Nasheed)
