Opposition lawmakers are seeking to submit a motion of no confidence against the parliament’s deputy speaker Moosa Manik.
Mihaaru understands that the motion of no confidence against the lawmaker of Hulhuhenveiru constituency is spearheaded by parliamentarians of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). According to sources, MDP lawmakers have been in talks with members of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s that support its leader and Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided ruling party.
MDP’s parliamentary group leader, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was not available for comment regarding the issue.
Opposition lawmakers’ decision to seek a motion of no confidence against MP Manik comes in the wake of a petition submitted to the parliament seeking a no confidence vote against the speaker Abdulla Maseeh. The parliament administration has scheduled to hold the debate on the speaker’s motion of no confidence on March 27, which deputy speaker MP Manik is to chair.
The motion of no confidence against the speaker was lobbied to the parliament last Wednesday with 26 signatures by the son of Former President Maumoon and the current president’s nephew, Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon. It appears that the no confidence vote is a direct initiative of Former President Maumoon.
A majority of votes in favour by the members present on that day’s sitting is required to pass a motion of no confidence against the speaker. MP Faris declared on Sunday that they have confirmed enough votes will be given to remove Maseeh from position. According to MP Faris, 42 votes out of 85 members are needed to pass the motion of no confidence.
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