MDP opens nominations

The main opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has invited members of the party wishing to compete in the party presidential primaries as well as those whishing to compete for the party chairpersonship to submit their names. According to the interim committee elected by the National Council to oversee and organize the 2 elections, the opportunity to put forward names commenced yesterday and will continue till the 3 of March this year.

In this regard a schedule has been drawn up by the National Council. As per the schedule the opportunity to submit names for the both elections commenced yesterday. Further the schedule calls to invite all wishing to join the party to submit their names and other pertinent details. This includes all those members who are not included in the register of the Registrar of the Political Parties. According to interim committee set up to oversee the elections there are a total of 6000 members which for various reasons has not been accepted by the Registrar.

However during the elections only those registered members can take part in the voting says the committee. Committee also revealed that from 25 of this month till March 25, members can submit their details so that it can be forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner. According to the schedule candidates list for both elections is to be revealed on 5 March at 1100 hours. Further the list of party members accepted by the Commissioner of Elections is to be provided to the candidates.

According to the interim committee 4 working days will be given to the party’s elections commissioner to prepare final listings of members and to hand it to the candidates. According to the committee, voting members of both elections will place their ballots in to a single box. However the ballots are to be differentiated by color or some other means. Voting is to be held on 25 April from 1400 hours to 2100 hours.

Idham Muiz to compete as an Independent Elections

Idham Muiz Adhunan, son of former Attorney General and Education Minister Adnan Hussain, has said that he will compete in the forthcoming presidential elections. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Idham who resigned from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) recently, said his decision to compete in the forthcoming election as in dependent candidates is mainly because of lack of any reliable political party in Maldives. “I was with MDP from the beginning, I have participated in MDP’s event’s and functions, I have tried to make the party function as a political party, however MDP does not function as a political party, party functions in an alien way, it is not a reliable and established manner, party lacks the capacity to manage the country, this can be clearly seen by their internal arrangements” said Idham.

According to Idham, the top officials of the MDP do not trust each other. He revealed that there is party culture and conduct within MDP. In addition he said the party governing procedures change to suit the place and time. “Even if MDP comes to power, I don’t think it can be substantiated, the party lacks capacity, I left the party because I do not believe I can serve the people properly by being associated to such a party” said Idham. Idham said that he decision to compete in the elections is to provide the opportunity to the people can have their say in decision making process of the government.

“I have no confidence in these candidates that is based on past experiences, what they have said past and their actions do not match” said Idham. Idham who served the government for 19 years has released his presidential manifesto. When he resigned he was working in the Finance Ministry as Registrar of Companies. “My manifesto primarily deals with the school system. I firmly believe the educational system collapsed, it is important to revise our syllabus”. So far Leader of DRP Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) Umar Naseer and Dr. Hassan Saeed have expressed their candidacy.

The main opposition party (MDP) has said that they will hold their presidential primaries during April this year. MDP primaries are competed by former Chairperson of the company Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), Dr. Mohamed Munnawar, President of MDP and Ricco Moosa Manik.

DRP to decide a running mate at the next congress meeting

Dhivehi Rahyithuge Party (DRP) has revealed that the party’s congress will choose a Vice President to complete in the forthcoming presidential elections during May this year. Speaking to Miadhu Daily Chief Spokesperson of the DRP Ibrahim Shafiu said during the meeting of the party’s Congress to be held from 5 to 6 of May this year, a Vice President will be appointed. “I cannot reveal much on the agenda, a general assembly will be held to elect a person to the vacant position of Vice President of the party” said Shafiu.

Shafiu revealed that President’s Gayoom’s priority is on completing the constitution reform process at the earliest. He said that President Gayoom’s presidential manifesto is currently being prepared and that he cannot provide any advance information on it.

Elections Commissioner reveals voting procedure

KD Ahmed Manik Commissioner of Elections has revealed pertinent details of the voting process of the forthcoming presidential elections. According to a release issued by the Commissioner voting process would be the same as in previous years where eligible voters are required to tick against the candidate of their choice and placing the ballot paper in the designated box. Commissioner also revealed that electronic voting system would not be used during this election. Commissioner speaking to Miadhu Daily earlier said that in contrast to previous elections, eligible voters list will be produced by the Office of the Commissioner.

In previous years the list was produced by the Department of National Registration. Commissioner says that this year the list will be produced by the help of the data base established at the Commissioner’s Office with the help of listings received from the atolls. The Commissioner also revealed that the listings would soon made public in order to find out any discrepancies. Commissioner has accepted the fact that certain discrepancies did exist in the eligible voters list used by the Commissioner Office during the public referendum on system of government held in 2007.

In this regard the opposition parties criticized the government for irregularities such as deceased person’s names and repetitive names in the list. During the recent State Visit of President Gayoom to India, in an interview granted to Miadhu Daily, President had indicated that electronic voting system was a system that needs to be introduced to the Maldives. He said that in order for the general public to gain confidence in the system and to be more aware and get familiarize with such a system it would take some time. He said that in order to try the system out he intends to employ the system in small elections. Government last year reaffirmed its commitment to multiparty, free and fair elections. In this regard government has said that work to establish the necessary independent institutions and commissions to ensure such an election were being carried out.

Gasim Ibrahim Denies the Rumors that he is Dr. Munnavaru’s Running Mate

MALE, MALDIVES - The Vice President of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and the Speaker of the People’s Special Majlis Honorable Gasim Ibrahim has denied the rumors that he is the running mate of the President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Mohamed Munnavaru who recently declared his interest in competing in the Presidential Elections. Honorable Gasim denied these allegations and rumors in an exclusive interview with Haama Daily.

Gasim further said that he has not discussed with any candidate about being there running mate.“The allegations and rumors that I am competing in the Presidential Race with Dr. Mohamed Munnavaru as his running mate is simply not true. I haven’t talked with ay candidate about being their running mate in the Presidential race. The reports that have been acquainted with unnamed anonymous sources are false” Gasim Ibrahim who currently fills the post of Vice President with the DRP told Haama Daily.It was reported by Miadhu Daily, the Daily under the chairmanship of Dr. Munnavaru’s in laws, in an article that did not cite any sources, that Honorable Gasim Ibrahim will resign from the government and DRP when the amending of the Constitution is over and will join Dr. Munnavaru as his running mate if he is elected by the MDP’s elections as Presidential Candidate. However Gasim Ibrahim denied these claims and said that such a conversation was never discussed by him.

In an interview with an Online Newspaper Dr. Munnavaru also denied these claims as untrue. He said that he had not discussed this issue with anyone. “That’s a funny allegation. I haven’t even given a thought about my running mate. I will go there when and if I am nominated as MDP’s Presidential Candidate” Dr. Munnavaru said in a statement given to an Online Newspaper.

Maldives has the capacity to amplify economy: Dr. Hassan Saeed

- The principal problems facing our society today is directly linked to the unaccountability and the irresponsibility of the current government: Former AG

Dr. Hassan Saeed
Dr. Hassan Saeed, former Attorney General and a candidate for the Presidential Elections 2008 has said that the Maldives has the capacity and resources to enhance and amplify our economy. Dr. Hassan Saeed said so answering a question by a local in a meeting held last night at the Nasandhuraa Palace Hotel to discuss his Presidential Manifesto with the public.Although last nights discussion was open to all the target points and areas of Dr. Saeed’s manifesto, most of the questions were centered about the economy and how it can be developed and about Dr. Saeed’s policies on the economy.

When inquired about his policies to address the current economic problems and how he plans to collect money to address these problems Dr. Saeed said that Maldives has the capacity to amplify and develop our economy.“There are many ways in which the government can cut back on expenses and also ways to increase per capita income by building the countries tourism infrastructure” Dr. Hassan Saeed told the crowd gathered at the Nasandhuraa Palace Hotel.He also said that there is no way in which he can’t tackle these problems and boost the economy by the end of his first term as President. He added that with the way things are going now in mind, Maldives is making money, but they are not efficiently utilized by the current government.Dr. Saeed also said that he will reveal deadlines to tackle the mainstream economic problems and also reveal how financial hindrances will be met and also added that he will release an action plan or a road map to bring the Maldivian economy back on track.

Dr. Hassan Saeed who will be campaigning in the Presidential Elections on his behalf released his presidential manifesto on the 19 of this month. In the introductory chapter of his manifesto Dr. Saeed said that from now on no chance will be given to annihilate people, to continue a family presidency, to divide the nation in the name of Islam, to use Islam as a weapon to remain in power and that no chance will be given to increase government expenditure while the people starve to death. He also said that the people has given the current government enough openings to complete the wants of the people and questioned about the benefiters because of these openings given by the people. He also added that the biggest problems facing our society today is directly linked to the unaccountability, irresponsibility and inactions by the current government.

I Would Devolve Power From Presidency: Anni

Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), former chairperson of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, has said he will devolve power to his party if he is elected president of the Maldives later this year.Speaking to Minivan News, Anni said that "it is not a president you are electing, it is a party", adding that the party should decide policy and be able to control the leadership.Party PowerAlong with party president Dr Mohamed Munnavar and parliamentarian Reeko Moosa Manik, Anni has declared himself a contender in the race to become the MDP candidate.With nominations open to all members until March 3rd, candidates have yet to formally launch their campaigns or state their key messages.But Anni said on Wednesday he would stress to potential voters his guarantee of party predominance.Saying that government should be in the hands of the parliament, rather than the other way around, he explained that "party apparatus" should dictate party policies.In a referendum last August Maldivians voted for a presidential system of rule, although the the MDP allege the election was rigged.

The voter list was said to have contained more than 10,000 dead people.And opponent Hassan Saeed, an independent candidate associated with the unregistered New Maldives movement, has previously said "parties are less important in a presidential system."However Anni contends that as president he would be a "marginal figurehead" or "president who is not a president", choosing to diffuse his powers, and would anchor the party in a firm position if he was elected.AllianceAnother major priority for Anni's campaign will be the National Unity Alliance, he added.Encompassing the MDP, Islamic Democratic Party, New Maldives Movement and Adhaalaath party, the Alliance was initially created to campaign for an interim government, but has now mooted the idea of a joint presidential candidate.Yet according to Anni, other MDP candidates would "destroy the alliance" because they would want to stand themselves instead of accepting a united decision by alliance leaders.

Despite fractures, leaders of the Alliance groups are still confident a joint candidate can be agreed, with spokesperson Dr Ahmed Shaheed reportedly saying recently that "the whole is bigger than the parts." MDP secretary general Hamid Abdul Ghafoor has previously said that MDP is having "informal talks" with other National Unity Alliance of opposition groups, to arrive at a "mechanism" for producing a joint candidate.Anni toured Addu atoll this week – the home atoll of his opponent Dr Munnavar - to garner support in the south.The MDP presidential primary elections will take place on 25 April.

Elections announced the voting regulations for the upcoming elections

Office of Commissioner of Elections, had publicly announced the regulations of voting in the upcoming presidential elections.

In this announcement, it is said that this time as well, balloting would not be through an electronic voting system, and it would be printed papers used in balloting. President Maumoon, had as well stated in his visit to India, that the electronic voting system would not be used in the country for balloting this time.

Elections announced the voting regulations for the upcoming elections

Office of Commissioner of Elections, had publicly announced the regulations of voting in the upcoming presidential elections.

In this announcement, it is said that this time as well, balloting would not be through an electronic voting system, and it would be printed papers used in balloting. President Maumoon, had as well stated in his visit to India, that the electronic voting system would not be used in the country for balloting this time.

Reeko Moosa in power struggle…

Reeko Moosa Manik had given his name as a candidate of the primary elections within the largest opposition party – MDP, to emerge as the party’s representative candidate to campaign in the up-coming presidential elections.

Reeeko Moosa had assured to Jazeera about his proposal. It is said that it is yet Reeko Moosa alone, who had given the name for the primary elections making the use of the chance opened on 25th of this month.

Not to challenge a second term of office, if the Manifesto Goals are not achieved within 5 years: Dr. Hassan

Dr. Hassan Saeed, who had revealed that he would be campaigning in the up coming presidential elections had stated that if the goals in his manifesto is not achieved within the five years, he would not be challenging to a second term of office.

In a communal gathering held in Nasandhura, to share his manifesto with the locals, Dr. Hassan said that if he challenge for a second term of office without achieving the goals, it would be the maintaining of the same old tradition of not fulfilling the promise. Moreover, he stated that he does not see it very wise to fill more than two terms of office.

Furthermore, he emphasized on the fact that the expenditure on the Presidential Palace is way too high than the spending on a president of Maldives, and therefore he would be bringing down the sum of Mrf 172 million spent on the Palace’s budget to a lower amount, as well by limiting the number of employees as well. Into the bargain he added that the place would be highly beneficial to the locals as well.

Above all these facts, Dr. Hassan stated that the main problem the country is facing to day is the setting of family members to the high political status thereby failing to address the full responsibility. As for this matter of fact Dr. Hassan had said that he would not be giving any such positions to any of his family members throughout his office.

Opposition has no confidence of winning - Shafiu

Miadhu news

Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rayithuge Party (DRP) Ibrahim Shafiu has stated that the attempts of the opposition parties to hold the presidential elections without President Gayoom is mainly because they are fully aware they will not be able to defeat President Gayoom in such an election. Speaking to Miadhu Daily Shafiu said that opposition parties are aware that they will not be able to defeat President Gayoom in any election and that they no confidence what so ever of wining.

“I can tell you very clearly those attempts of the opposition parties to hold the election without President Gayoom is because they know they cannot win against President Gayoom. They have no confidence whatsoever” said Chief Spokesperson Shafiu.

Shafiu further pointed out that if President Gayoom competes in the forthcoming election presidential election of 2008, then the opportunity for the opposition to win will be slim. He said that the Maldivian people is fully aware that the actual architect of the Reform Agenda is President Gayoom and that Maldivian people believes that reform can be introduced smoothly and efficiently only under President Gayoom’s leadership.

“If President Gayoom competes in the forthcoming election of 2008, then the opportunity for the opposition to win will be slim, people believe that actual architect of the Reform Agenda is President Gayoom, they know that reform can be introduced smoothly and efficiently only under President Gayoom’s leadership” said Shafiu.

However opposition parties say that the only concern they have is on the fairness and freeness of the election. They say that they are no in way worried about President Gayoom’s intention to compete.

Gayoom Proposes Last Minute Amendments On Civil Service

Minivan news

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has proposed a series of new amendments to the Civil Service Act endorsed by parliament in May 2007 and ratified by the president himself, including delaying mandatory retirement for 65-year-olds for another two years.

The significant amendments also include a proposal to exempt the police force, immigration service, customs officials and “certain types of executive officials” from the Act, which makes the civil service independent from government under a new Civil Service Commission.

With a presidential election due later this year, the government’s move has been widely criticised by opposition groups as politically motivated.

But Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed argues on his personal blog that the amendments are “justified based upon constitutional, legal, legislative and public policy developments...since introduction of the Civil Service Act in May 2007”.

President’s Proposals

Nasheed, who is also responsible for legal reform, has said the police, immigration service and customs must be subject to “another piece of specific legislature.”

But he has not specified why this was not covered by the original Civil Service Act, which will come into force in May 2008.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC), created last year, has already begun announcing how it will carry out its mandate, including by banning most “political activity” for civil servants.

Meanwhile the amendment on retirement has been proposed for compassionate reasons, according to Nasheed, so that retirees can “mentally prepare for...retirement;...be told of the exact compensation mechanism awaiting them when they are sent home; and...find adequate alternatives.”

The CSC had already announced mandatory retirement for over-65s from May, and says it has not been informed of the new proposed amendments to the Act.

It had been working on proposals to compensate those who would be forced to retire, according to vice president Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed.

The amendments will now be considered by the Majlis (parliament) after its opening this Thursday.

Political

Opposition politicians were quick to condemn the move as a vote-winner ahead of the country’s first multi-party elections, due later this year.

Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) of the Liberal Party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Dr Mohamed Munavvar, Mohamed Naeem (Monaza) of the Maldivian National Congress (MNC) and Mohamed Hassan Manik, Vice President of the Islamic Democratic Party, were in agreement that the amendments aimed to secure support for the president’s re-election campaign.

Yet Ibrahim Shafiu, co-ordinator of the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), argued that whilst the proposals might “seem” politically motivated, the President had the “best interests” of Maldivians in mind.

The country’s 35,000 civil servants – amounting to over a tenth of the population – received pay rises of 20 to 60 per cent at the start of this year.

Ibra, who also chairs the constitutional drafting committee, said the amendments were a move by the President to “undermine the spirit” of parliament, and that it was “the President’s duty” to implement legislature that he himself had ratified. The President “should step down” if he cannot implement ratified legislature, Ibra added.

Solution?

Munavvar said that rather than “amending the constitution” whenever the president “failed” to implement it, the government should delay implementation to “buy time” for all parties involved.

Similarly Ibra told Minivan News the solution should be to offer “ample compensation” for the retirees, and added he did not believe it was the president’s capacity to amend the Civil Service Act.

The CSC will become fully independent on May 1, when the Civil Service Act becomes law.

MDP Nominations Open As Latheef Made Temporary Chairperson

Minivan news

Mohamed Latheef, a founding member of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was on Sunday elected unopposed as temporary chairperson of the party.

Nominations opened on Monday for the party’s presidential candidate and for a new permanent chairperson, following the resignation of Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) from the post.

Meanwhile Latheef mooted the idea of an MDP presidential candidate accompanied by a running mate from another political party, as a way to unite opposition groups ahead of this year’s planned presidential elections.

Buildup To Primary

The party will hold several National Council meetings in the upcoming weeks to determine how it should deal with issues such as running mates and public forums for the unprecedented presidential primary, which will take place on 25 April.

Anni and party president Dr Mohamed Munavvar have already declared themselves as prospective candidates. Nominations close on 3 March.

Meanwhile secretary general Hamid Abdul Ghafoor says the MDP is also in continuing “informal talks” with other members of the National Unity Alliance of opposition groups, to arrive at a “mechanism” for producing a joint candidate.

Latheef said his priority as temporary chair would be to “ensure all party apparatus is geared so [the primary] would be a free and fair election”.

Questioned on the short timeframe remaining before elections, which in accordance with the constitution currently in force must take place by November, he acknowledged: “It’s a very short period, and that is going to act against the MDP candidate or the Alliance candidate if there is one.”

The incumbent President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has indicated he will stand on the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP)’s ticket, meaning the DRP is unlikely to hold a parallel primary.

Pluralism

Latheef added that he will also seek to establish “a definite structure so that the [party’s] president and chairperson work within the regulations, [to] ensure that one doesn’t encroach on the rights and responsibilities of the other.”

Asked whether he was referring to specific tensions, he would say only that the party is in a “transitional form.”

Media outlets including the website Maaloafaanu have argued the contest between Munavvar and Anni for the presidential nomination indicates a deeper split within the MDP.

But Hamid argues the primary is a sign of a healthy “pluralism”, and that a “fair play agreement” has been proposed for all nominees. Anni and Munavvar have both pledged to support whoever wins.

“I think we are pioneering these ideas,” Hamid added. “Our party members will learn that the idea is to contest within the party, and whoever wins, we will get behind that person.”

Founder Member

Latheef helped to found the MDP in exile in Sri Lanka in 2003, along with Anni, Ahmed Mausoom, Ahmed Shafeeg Moosa and others.

But he has been less in evidence in the party in recent years, and says he has been working on “civil society empowerment projects”. He adds that he has no desire to take up the chairperson’s post permanently.

No Agreement On Presidential Immunity

Minivan news

The Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) has rejected the constitutional wording relating to presidential immunity from prosecution for the third time.

Article 18 of the presidential chapter, which describes how a president can be brought before the law for criminal activity, was rejected again by members on Thursday.

The division led Speaker of the Special Majlis Gasim Ibrahim to threaten to exclude it from the constitution altogether if the Majlis did not reach a consensus.

Debate

The proposed article states the President should be answerable for any alleged criminal offence committed before or during his term in office – but grants the People's Majlis the capacity to delay proceedings until the end of the President's term.

The second clause of the same article adds that criminal proceedings shall not be instituted against the President if he acted with good intention, in accordance with Islamic Shari'ah and the constitution.

Aneesa Ahmed, head of the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP)'s parliamentary group, told Minivan News that the article did not pass because the MP's who voted against were "not happy" with the wording.

But Mariya Ahmed Didi, MP for Kaafu atoll and a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that she now did not know how the drafting committee could redraft the wording to appease the MPs who rejected it.

And independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Male' Ahmed Athif argued that since an article had already been passed saying that "everyone is equal before the law", Article 18 is unnecessary.

What Now?

Gasim said that he would consider including the relevant clause from the current constitution, meaning that the president would remain practically immune from any prosecution.

The current constitution rules that, during presidency, "no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against [the president] in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity".

After vacating office, no proceedings can be initiated unless such matter is "duly submitted to the People's Majlis and is passed by two-thirds majority of the said Majlis", it reads.

But Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) from the fledgling Social Liberal Party said that he believed that even if the new Article 18 did not pass, it will be compensated for by legislation due to be brought in by the time the constitution in progress comes into effect.

And Aneesa said today that if the Constitution of Maldives remains "silent" on the issue, she believed it would be up to the Prosecutor General to decide.

Special Majlis

Meanwhile at Thursday's sitting, members of the Parliament endorsed wording saying ambassadors and commissioners can be assigned to foreign governments and international bodies with approval from the Majlis.

Further discussion of Article 18 has not been tabled by the Speaker, who ended Thursday's sitting abruptly.

The Special Majlis will be convened next week, provided that the draft chapter on transitional arrangements is complete.

No Agreement On Presidential Immunity

Minivan news

The Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) has rejected the constitutional wording relating to presidential immunity from prosecution for the third time.

Article 18 of the presidential chapter, which describes how a president can be brought before the law for criminal activity, was rejected again by members on Thursday.

The division led Speaker of the Special Majlis Gasim Ibrahim to threaten to exclude it from the constitution altogether if the Majlis did not reach a consensus.

Debate

The proposed article states the President should be answerable for any alleged criminal offence committed before or during his term in office – but grants the People's Majlis the capacity to delay proceedings until the end of the President's term.

The second clause of the same article adds that criminal proceedings shall not be instituted against the President if he acted with good intention, in accordance with Islamic Shari'ah and the constitution.

Aneesa Ahmed, head of the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP)'s parliamentary group, told Minivan News that the article did not pass because the MP's who voted against were "not happy" with the wording.

But Mariya Ahmed Didi, MP for Kaafu atoll and a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that she now did not know how the drafting committee could redraft the wording to appease the MPs who rejected it.

And independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Male' Ahmed Athif argued that since an article had already been passed saying that "everyone is equal before the law", Article 18 is unnecessary.

What Now?

Gasim said that he would consider including the relevant clause from the current constitution, meaning that the president would remain practically immune from any prosecution.

The current constitution rules that, during presidency, "no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against [the president] in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity".

After vacating office, no proceedings can be initiated unless such matter is "duly submitted to the People's Majlis and is passed by two-thirds majority of the said Majlis", it reads.

But Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) from the fledgling Social Liberal Party said that he believed that even if the new Article 18 did not pass, it will be compensated for by legislation due to be brought in by the time the constitution in progress comes into effect.

And Aneesa said today that if the Constitution of Maldives remains "silent" on the issue, she believed it would be up to the Prosecutor General to decide.

Special Majlis

Meanwhile at Thursday's sitting, members of the Parliament endorsed wording saying ambassadors and commissioners can be assigned to foreign governments and international bodies with approval from the Majlis.

Further discussion of Article 18 has not been tabled by the Speaker, who ended Thursday's sitting abruptly.

The Special Majlis will be convened next week, provided that the draft chapter on transitional arrangements is complete.