While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said today that the work of Parliament is not being conducted as promised during Presidential  elections, Speaker of Parliament Qasim Ibrahim has responded to the comment.

Qasim, who is also the leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) commented on President Solih’s statement during a press conference held by the party.

He said that Parliament is proceeding sincerely in accordance with the country’s Constitution. He expressed that President Solih’s comments have deeply saddened him and added that he is not capable of carrying out any actions in violation of the laws and Constitution of this country.

While speaking at an MDP campaign event at Seenu Hithadhoo, President Solih had said that his administration was elected in the Presidential elections for the campaign pledges to reach a reality. The President had said further that this effort is however facing challenges due to the actions of the Parliament. The comments made by President Solih indicated the stalling of the Bill to empower Presidential Commissions at Parliament. The Commission's being empowered by the Bill include the Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset recovery as well as the Commission on Investigation of Deaths and Disappearances.

President Solih said that fulfilling campaign pledges have come to a halt and added that Parliament is not offering any cooperation in the efforts to move forward with the pledges.

Speaker of Parliament responded to President Solih’s comments in the press conference by JP. He said that Article 70, clause 3 of the Constitution states the duty of Parliament clearly. Qasim noted that the duty of Parliament includes checking the process of conduct, ensuring accountability as well as taking necessary measures against the Presidential power of the country as cited by the Constitution.

The JP leader said that any Bill that is in violation of the Constitution will therefore not pass at Parliament at the exact state, time or situation that the President commands.