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Previously held maldives parliament sitting - Photo: People's Majlis

The People’s Majlis has scheduled a formal sitting after nearly two weeks without holding any legislative sessions or committee meetings, bringing a temporary end to a period of inactivity that has drawn public criticism.

The last parliamentary sitting of the ongoing second session of the 20th People’s Majlis was held on July 15. Since then, no parliamentary sittings or standing committee meetings have taken place.

Under standing parliamentary regulations, the second session of parliament runs from June through August 15. However, as in previous terms, lawmakers may extend the session beyond the scheduled deadline to complete pending legislative work.

The prolonged hiatus has reignited public debate regarding lawmaker productivity and attendance. Members of Parliament frequently face public scrutiny over brief committee meetings—some lasting only five to ten minutes—as well as meetings cancelled due to lack of quorum, irregular sitting schedules, and the overall quality of floor debates.

Critics often point to the high remuneration and generous allowance packages provided to MPs from the state budget, arguing that legislative output does not match the substantial public expenditure. The lack of consistent sittings and slow legislative progress remain key

points of public concern during the current parliamentary term.

Key Legislative Timeline & Data Points

• Last Sitting Date: July 15.

• Inactivity Period: Nearly 2 weeks with zero sittings or committee meetings.

• Second Session Schedule: June 1 to August 15 (subject to potential extension by vote).

• Current Assembly: 20th People's Majlis.

• Key Public Concerns: Irregular sitting schedules, brief committee meetings (5–10 minutes), lack of quorum cancellations, and low legislative output relative to high MP salaries and allowances.