The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has published its attendance analysis for the 28th session of the National Assembly, drawing attention to significant attendance disparities during the recent budget session.
The session comprised 15 sittings held between June 10 and June 24. Out of 333 lawmakers, only 99 members maintained perfect attendance by participating in all 15 sittings, representing just 30% of the total membership. Meanwhile, six members were absent throughout the entire session, accounting for approximately 2% of lawmakers who did not attend any sitting. Additionally, 234 members took leave for at least one sitting during this period.
Attendance reached its highest point during the 13th sitting, when 300 lawmakers were present to vote on the federal budget for 2026–27. In contrast, the lowest turnout occurred during the fifth sitting, which took place on the second day of the general budget debate, with only 209 members attending.
Among federal cabinet members, six federal ministers and three ministers of state achieved full attendance across all sittings. However, the prime minister participated in only six of the 15 sittings, whereas the leader of the opposition was present at 12.
FAFEN also highlighted deficiencies in ministerial attendance during parliamentary proceedings. Of the 10 federal ministers scheduled to respond during Question Hour, four were absent on their assigned days. Similarly, two out of four ministers designated to address Calling Attention Notices failed to attend the relevant sittings.
