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PNC MP Mohamed Mamdhooh, initiator of the parliamentary petition rule change, attending a Majlis sitting - Photo: Majlis

MALÉ: The People’s Majlis voted 56–7 today to approve an amendment to its Standing Orders, removing restrictions that previously prohibited submitting multiple or opposing petitions on the same subject.

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) spearheaded the rule change. Seven lawmakers voted against the report, including nine MDP members and independent Addu Meedhoo MP Abdulrahmaan.

Background and Context

The dispute centers on proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act. The bill, introduced by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr with PNC support, seeks to allow the central government to reclaim land and properties currently under local council jurisdiction.

The legislative timeline unfolded as follows:

• Initial Opposition Petition: Approximately two weeks ago, a public petition was lodged demanding the rejection of the bill. It has garnered over 2,300 signatures.

• Pro-Government Counter-Petition: Pro-government groups and PNC supporters subsequently launched a counter-petition calling for the bill to be passed. Critics alleged it was a direct government initiative.

• Procedural Barrier: The counter-petition was submitted to the committee with around 800 signatures, well below the 2,000 required for floor debate. Furthermore, parliamentary rules prohibited accepting new petitions on topics already addressed by active filings.

Swift Procedural Changes

To clear the way for the counter-petition, PNC MP for Funadhoo Mohamed Mamdhooh proposed removing the clause under Article 257-1 that banned duplicate or opposing petitions.

The General Purpose Committee reviewed and passed the proposal during a five-minute meeting, reporting no objections or questions from attending members.

Defending the change ahead of the vote, PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah stated the revision aims to broaden public consultation and allow the parliament to receive diverse opinions on critical legislation. The approved rule change now permits the pro-government petition to proceed formally through parliament.