The current administration’s majority party, Maldives Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group said on Wednesday that they will not cooperate with any parliamentary work unless a vote is asked on Sunday to dismiss current parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed from his position.
A no-confidence motion against Nasheed was submitted to the parliament earlier this month, with the signatures of 49 parliamentarians. The major point brought up in the motion is that Nasheed has been operating the parliament against regulations.
This is the second time a no-confidence motion against him has been submitted to the parliament. The first motion, after being delayed for various reasons, was withdrawn during the lead up to the second round of September's presidential election.
Speaking at a press conference held today, MDP’s PG Leader and Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Aslam said that the party's PG has decided that any further parliament work can be carried out only after taking a vote on the no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Parliament.
Aslam noted that important work has to be carried out by the parliament in the upcoming days, such as the arrangement of the swearing in ceremony for President Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
"We, our Parliamentary Group, have now decided not to do any parliamentary work unless the vote is taken. This is something that the parliament has to do. We do not believe a session can be held in the parliament after [October] 29, unless that vote is taken,” Aslam said.
Stating that there was no option for Nasheed to not proceed with the no-confidence motion this time, Aslam appealed to Nasheed to "not hold onto the Speaker's position by force".
"There are no more hurdles, nor more obstacles for the case to be pursued. The truth is, there is no confidence [regarding Nasheed], and since there is no confidence, 49 members signed stating so. The parliament majority is 44 [members]. However, more than that has signed. More people are saying they will vote for it as well. When there is no confidence from the parliament, then what will be best for the country, also, is to accept that he has no-confidence and to step back,” Aslam said.
The MDP PG has evoked its three-line whip in order to remove Nasheed from his position.
Nasheed's no-confidence motion has been scheduled for Sunday. MDP lawmakers also request the general members of the party to be present in the parliament when the day's session is underway.
Nasheed will be given 30 minutes to respond at Sunday's meeting. Each member will get three minutes to debate the issue
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