Statistics of the Parliament of the Maldives has revealed a record number of parliamentary work was completed this year.
The 19th Session of the Parliament has gone to recess on December 8, after completing its third and final term of 2020. The statistics of the parliament revealed 117 sitting were conducted this year, including 42 sittings during the first term, 47 sittings during the second term and 28 sittings during the third term. This set a new record for the most number of parliament sittings held during one calendar year.
Meanwhile, a total of 49 bills were passed this year, including 13 bills during the first term, 21 bills during the second term and 15 bills during the third term. The parliament had also processed 27 resolutions, 38 government motions and 24 emergency motions this year.
Although the government holds an overwhelming majority in the parliament, several efforts were undertaken by the parliament to ensure the government is held accountable. As such, ministers were summoned to the parliament 62 times this year. Meanwhile, parliament committees had also summoned several ministers and senior officials of independent institutions and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for different inquiries.
The parliament faced several obstacles and challenges in carrying out its work this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the parliament was able to carry out work on important bills and resolutions during the lockdown, by conducting its sittings online.