Maldives Parliament functions online during COVID-19 crisis 

The Maldives People’s Majlis (Parliament of Maldives) has gone online, to ensure continuous functioning of Parliament as the country adapts to social- distancing measures. 
The first online sitting was held on Monday March 30, using Microsoft Teams software. The parliament debated on a motion moved by the House Majority Leader, on the Government’s proposed financial support programme as the country prepares for the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a statement from the parliamentary office said. 
The sitting was chaired by former President and current Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and was attended by 71 parliamentarians out of 87. Legislators participated, debated, and voted on the motion, from their homes, following protocol newly incorporated and adapted for this alternative, online measures. The parliamentary sitting was broadcast live, as standard, online on local TV channels and streamed live on the Majlis YouTube channel. 
Speaking during the sitting, Speaker Nasheed said, “while the world remains under lockdown, it is imperative that the institutions of democracy remain open, and that the people can see their elected representatives work. MPs must remain with the people, especially during these difficult times”.