MDP to boycott extraordinary sittings, citing unconstitutional procedures and lack of notice

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group has decided to boycott the ongoing extraordinary sittings of Parliament, declaring that the sessions are being held unlawfully.

Parliament held an extraordinary sitting on Monday, with another scheduled for Tuesday.

MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) announced the decision on X, stating that the sittings are being convened in violation of constitutional procedure.  

“These sittings are unlawful and unconstitutional. Emergency sessions have been called while Parliament is in recess, without adequate notice, contrary to Articles 83 and 88,” Kudoo wrote.

The MDP Parliamentary Group believes the current Parliament sittings are unlawful and unconstitutional, and has therefore decided to boycott in protest.

Parliament was in recess, yet emergency sessions were called without adequate notice, in breach of Articles 83 and 88 of the…

— MohamedKudu (@mohamedkudu) January 5, 2026

He said the MDP parliamentary group views the move as an infringement on MPs’ ability to properly represent their constituents, adding that there is “no urgency or constitutional crisis” that justifies bypassing established rules.

The MDP, which holds 12 seats, has repeatedly raised concerns in recent days over what it describes as rushed and irregular sittings aimed at fast‑tracking major legislative changes.

The extraordinary sittings have been scheduled to consider several key matters, including the proposed merger of the presidential and parliamentary elections, amendments to the Pension Act, and the appointment of the government’s first Agriculture Minister, Rameela, as chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM).

Some MDP members have also criticised the decision to hold these sittings on short notice while Parliament is officially on recess.