.svg)
The People's Majlis General Purpose Committee has passed a rule change allowing opposing petitions to be submitted on the same issue, clearing the path for pro-government supporters to submit a counter-petition on the controversial council land bill.
News Desk
Previously held meeting of the General Purpose Committee - Photo: People’s majlis
MALÉ: The People’s Majlis General Purpose Committee has voted to amend parliamentary rules, allowing counter-petitions to be submitted against issues already before the parliament.
Under existing People’s Majlis standing orders, a petition cannot be submitted if it requests an action similar to or opposing an active petition already before parliament.
Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh Younus, representing the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), submitted a proposal to remove this restriction. Removing the clause enables opposing parties to submit counter-petitions on the same topic.
Details of the committee vote:
Sponsor: Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh Younus (PNC).
Motion: Holhudhoo MP Abdull Shattarth Mohamed proposed reordering the sub-clauses after removing the restriction.
Second: Isdhoo MP Mohamed Shafeeu seconded the motion.
Vote Outcome: Out of nine members present, seven voted in favor, one voted against, and no member spoke against the amendment during discussions.
The rule change comes after an online petition secured enough signatures to mandate a floor debate on a controversial government-backed bill. Introduced by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the bill allows the central government to reclaim land under local council jurisdiction.
Supporters of the ruling PNC later submitted a counter-petition defending the legislation. The counter-petition states that the bill facilitates faster basic public service delivery at the island level and describes the opposition petition as politically motivated.
The rule change now officially permits parliament to accept and consider the pro-government counter-petition.
