Parliament has amended its rules of procedure so that any resolution submitted to the People's Majlis must first be put to a vote on whether to accept it before any debate, and is thrown out immediately if that vote fails.
The amendment, proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakur, an independent, was passed with the support of 56 PNC members. Eleven MDP members voted against the change.
Under the change to Article 191 of the rules, the first step after a resolution is submitted will be a vote on accepting it. If it does not win a majority, the resolution will be dismissed without being debated. Resolutions also cannot be submitted on a subject that is due to be debated in the Majlis. An amendment by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), objecting that the change removes the chance to debate before a vote, was rejected with the votes of 55 PNC members.
The opposition MDP has voiced concern over the change, while PNC members have said the opposition submits pointless resolutions. PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah said the opposition would no longer get the opportunity to submit resolutions except for matters such as thanking the government.
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