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Italy’s presidential election kicks off in parliament with no clear candidature in sight

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Italy’s parliament gathered in joint session of both houses on Monday for the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president to replace Sergio Mattarella, whose term will end on Feb. 3.

A total of 1,008 “grand electors” are set to choose the next head of state, including all the members of the parliament plus 58 representatives chosen by regional councils.

The Italian constitution requires a majority of two-thirds in the first three rounds of voting, followed by a simple majority, or at least 505 votes, from the fourth on. One ballot a day will take place from Monday.

No clear name is in sight so far. While former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Saturday withdrew his candidature, current Prime Minister Mario Draghi has been repeatedly named as a possible contender.

Draghi has repeatedly refused to say clearly whether he would be available to take the job.

PRESIDENT’S ROLE

The next one will be the 13th president of the Italian Republic. It is a figure that traditionally plays a ceremonial and balancing role in the country, although the president presides over the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Supreme Council of Defence.

Yet, the head of state directly enters into the political playground in case of broad instability, tasked with helping solve major deadlocks between the government and the parliament.

The president selects a new prime minister candidate, when the cabinet loses the confidence of the chambers and resigns; and, in case of no agreement among members of parliament on a new executive, the president would dissolve the parliament and call for new general elections.

For these reasons, the president is usually chosen among figures that all political forces perceive as non-partisan, but at the same time someone with broad political experience and deep knowledge of the constitution.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

The election has been preceded by intense talks between the country’s two main political blocks in parliament, the center-left led by Five Star Movement and Democratic Party and the center-right led by right-wing League and Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party.

The process is being followed attentively by Italian media and people as usual, and there might be additional reasons for that this time.

Mattarella has in fact played a visible role at social level in the last two years, dispensing reassuring messages that helped the country navigate through the difficult pandemic phase.

Secondly, the next elections to renew the parliament and therefore form the new government are scheduled in spring 2023. In case Draghi will move to the Quirinale presidential palace, early elections might be called one year ahead of the natural end of the legislature.

Members of Italy’s parliament attend the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2022. Italy’s parliament gathered in joint session of both houses on Monday for the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president to replace Sergio Mattarella, whose term will end on Feb. 3. (Str/Xinhua)

The League party’s leader Matteo Salvini prepares to cast his ballot during the first round of voting to elect Italy’s new president in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2022. Italy’s parliament gathered in joint session of both houses on Monday for the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president to replace Sergio Mattarella, whose term will end on Feb. 3. (Str/Xinhua)

Members of Italy’s parliament attend the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2022. Italy’s parliament gathered in joint session of both houses on Monday for the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president to replace Sergio Mattarella, whose term will end on Feb. 3. (Str/Xinhua)

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi casts his ballot during the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2022. Italy’s parliament gathered in joint session of both houses on Monday for the first round of voting to elect the country’s new president to replace Sergio Mattarella, whose term will end on Feb. 3. (Str/Xinhua)

Source: Xinhua

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Nasheed calls on British King Charles

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Former president Mohamed Nasheed who is currently serving as the secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) has called on UK’s King Charles iii.

Nasheed met with the King Charles at the Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Neither Nasheed nor the Buckingham Palace has disclosed any further details regarding the meeting in an official capacity.

The meeting had been reported by media outlets.

Photos of the meeting circulating on social media show a cheerful King Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, shaking his hand with Nasheed.

The Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and has subsequently commenced treatment in early February.

The Palace, in their statement, said the King, although would refrain from public appearances during the course of his treatment, will nevertheless be carrying out his official duties.

“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” also read the statement.

King Charles acceded to the throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His coronation was held almost eight months later, on May 6th of last year.

Nasheed announced a hiatus from political work on December 12th of last year to assume his new post as the secretary general of CVF.

He relocated to Ghana on January 30th to carry out his responsibilities as the secretary general. Nevertheless, Nasheed remains a member of the parliament.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Presidential decree designates islands for airport development

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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a decree outlining plans for airport development projects across various islands, aiming to achieve public benefit and economic growth.

The resolution specifies the establishment of new airports in 12 different islands, alongside the expansion and enhancement of existing airports. The islands earmarked for new airports include Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Dhiguveli and Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Vihafaru in Noonu Atoll, Fainu in Raa Atoll, Mathiveri in Alif Alif Atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll, Maalhendhoo in Gaafu Alif Atoll, and Guraidhoo in Thaa Atoll.

Additionally, the decree outlines plans for a second airport in Laamu Atoll and international airports in Vilingili and Thinadhoo City in Gaafu Alif Atoll.

Existing airports slated for further development include Gan International Airport, Funadhoo Airport in Shaviyani Atoll, Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll, Kulhudhuffushi City Airport, Fuvahmulah City Airport, and Maavarulu Airport in Gaafu atoll. Moreover, developmental initiatives are planned for airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Alifushi in Raa Atoll, Muli in Meemu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, and Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll.

In addition to airport projects, the decree includes plans for coastal tourism projects in Gan, Laamu Atoll, and Addu City.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Land Act Bill amended and proposed to parliament

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Parliamentarian Moosa Siraj has introduced a bill proposing amendments to the Maldivian Land Act, incorporating modern modifications. The bill initiated discussions among parliament members after its proposal by Siraj.

The proposed bill outlines regulations for determining land types, allocation for different purposes, and distribution to ministries and individuals. It stipulates that national and public land policies will be formulated by the president with the advice and recommendations of parliament members.

Key provisions of the bill include the appointment of a Registrar of Land by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, establishment of a Land and Survey Authority, and appointment of a Surveyor General.

Regarding land distribution, the bill allocates land for ministries, freeholding, and leasing, specifying permissible uses such as residential, economic, industrial, social, environmental, and governmental activities. It addresses various aspects including land rights, plot allocation, leasing, mortgage, sale, transfer by inheritance, ownership, and rights transfer.

Highlighting the outdated nature of the current Land Act from 2002, Moosa Siraj emphasised the need for modern amendments to address contemporary challenges. He stressed the inclusion of provisions for land surveys and valuation policies to mitigate issues related to fluctuating land values.

Siraj urged fellow parliament members to support the bill, citing its importance. However, members of the opposition have expressed reservations, advocating against its passage.

Source(s): PsmNews

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