Maldives parliament is set to commence officially on Wednesday preceding with the presidential address, according to ruling Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) parliamentary group leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik.
The People's Majilis (parliament) regulation mandates the commencement of sessions within first week of February. Initially the presidential address and commencing of parliament was slated for February 5, however the process was temporarily halted due to the Supreme Court order on February 1.
Two special sittings at the parliament have already been conducted outside the official working calendar of 2018, in order to finalize president Abdulla Yameen presented motion of extending the state of emergency.
The motion was approved with a total of 38 votes on Tuesday eve's sitting, which has been described as contentious and unconstitutional by members of the opposition and several legal experts. The parliament council general Fathimath Filza had also walked out on the session, calling the sitting unconstitutional.
Amid criticism on parliament commencement getting pushed back, ruling party's parliamentary group leader on Tuesday night affirmed president Abdulla Yameen will read out the address on Wednesday evening, officially commencing the parliament for 2018.
The lawmaker had not provided anymore details regarding Wednesday night's presidential address, and it has not been confirmed by the local parliament administration as well.
While the lawmakers are set to go on parliament floor for their usual deliberation, 12 of the reinstated lawmakers are "hanging by a thread" since the top-court order annulment of anti-defection law has been kept on hold on the advise of attorney general Mohamed Anil.
This has restrained the dozen lawmakers from partaking in parliament sittings, which has been the prime reason why opposition members boycotted Monday and Tuesday's special sittings.
