The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has highlighted attendance gaps during the National Assembly’s budget session. The report reviewed participation during the 28th parliamentary session.
The National Assembly held 15 sittings between June 10 and June 24. However, only a minority of lawmakers attended every sitting.
Only Thirty Percent Maintained Full Attendance
According to the report, only 99 of the 333 lawmakers attended all 15 sittings. Therefore, just 30% maintained full attendance throughout the budget session.
The report also found that six members remained absent during the entire session. Meanwhile, 234 lawmakers obtained leave from at least one sitting.
Attendance reached its highest level during the 13th sitting. On that day, 300 lawmakers participated in voting on the 2026-27 federal budget.
In contrast, the fifth sitting recorded the lowest attendance. Only 209 members attended the second day of the general budget debate.
Ministerial Attendance Also Raises Concerns
Among federal cabinet members, six federal ministers and three ministers of state attended all 15 sittings. However, attendance varied among other senior officials.
The report stated that the prime minister attended six of the 15 sittings. Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition participated in 12 sittings.
FAFEN also identified shortcomings during parliamentary business. Four of the 10 federal ministers assigned to Question Hour missed their scheduled sittings.
Similarly, two of the four ministers responsible for Calling Attention Notices were absent. Consequently, the report raised concerns about ministerial participation during key parliamentary proceedings.
