Nasheed wants President to declare State of Emergency to combat extremism

A resolution calling for a state of emergency, submitted by the Former President and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed to the internal congress of the ruling party Maldivian Democratic Party has been passed on Sunday evening.

In light of the information the police revealed regarding the assassination attempt of Nasheed on May 6 last night, he submitted a resolution calling for a state of emergency to be declared in Maldives. Nasheed has also requested to hold a special session of the parliament.

Nasheed, who is currently receiving medical treatment in United Kingdom for injuries sustained on the attack that day, participated in MDP’s internal congress virtually. The resolution he submitted received 39 votes out of the 41 members that participated.

Due to differences in political belief, MDP is working as a two factions; members that support Nasheed and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Supporters of president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih did not participate in the congress session held on Sunday. MDP’s internal congress is made up of 148 members.

There is no time like right now to declare a state of emergency to address these concerns: Maafannu Uthuru constituency MP Imthiyaz Fahumy

Thirty seven votes are required to pass any motion or resolution submitted to MDP’s internal congress.

As the power to declare a state of emergency is vested only in the President, leader of MDP’s parliamentary group Ali Azim proposed they remove that part from the resolution. However, after Nasheed’s resolution was passed, the congress did call for votes regarding Azim’s recommendation.

Parliament member for Maafannu Uthuru constituency Imthiyaz Fahumy said there are still people that are talking in a manner that perpetuates support to terrorist activity. He further stated as it is difficult to get results with the way Maldivian laws are at the moment, it is highly important a state of emergency.

“There is no time like right now to declare a state of emergency to address these concerns,” Imthiyaz said.

So far ten people have been arrested in connection to the attack on Nasheed. Police has said the attack on May 6 was carried out after he was heavily stalked, and two attempts had been made on his life previously as well.

The attackers subscribe to extremist religious views and believe Nasheed is an apostate who does not deserve to live.