Debate on Transitional Chapter: Majlis lose quorum due members disagreements

The Special Majlis session held yesterday lost its quorum after break time due to disagreements of members over the distribution of a leaflet asking for vote on the transitional chapter.

Tensions were high at the Majlis session where 98 members were in attendance prior to break time. The main reason for the high tensions and temper was the disagreements over the distribution of a blue paper by members of DRP recommending members to vote in their favor with regard to the transitional chapter. As a results of the ensuing disagreements and arguments vote on the transitional chapter was not called.

Opposition Members argue that the distribution of the blue paper “Whip Line” was to influence the vote of the transitional chapter. They claim that Special Majlis regulations do not allow such acts. However DRP Members deny the allegations. They say the blue Whip line was not distributed to the entire Majlis but to specific members. They argue if opposition Members were to believe in multiparty democratic principles such acts must be accepted.

Following the rounds of the “points of orders”, the Chair ordered the Majlis secretariat to remove the papers. The Majlis session was cancelled after loss of quorum after break time as many DRP Members were not in attendance.

The Chair Speaker Qasim Ibrahim before the adjourning the Majlis said that it was sad to see the government ministers bench empty.