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Opposition files censure motions against AG, PG, ministers

Fathmath Shaahunaz
04 February 2018, MVT 18:24
L-R: PG Aishath Bisam, home minister Azleen Ahmed, defence minister Adam Shareef and AG Mohamed Anil. IMAGE/MIHAARU
Fathmath Shaahunaz
04 February 2018, MVT 18:24

The opposition on Sunday submitted motions of no confidence against Attorney General Mohamed Anil and Prosecutor General Aishath Bisam at the parliament.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement to the press after an opposition meeting in the parliament’s administration. He also revealed that the opposition plans to file censure motions against Minister of Home Affairs Azleen Ahmed and Minister of Defence Adam Shareef.

The opposition has been harshly censuring the government for delaying the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling last Thursday night, which ordered the immediate release of nine prominent political prisoners, reinstated 12 suspended lawmakers and lifted the court’s previous ban on floor-crossing.

Members of the opposition have accused the government of “making excuses” to not execute the top court’s order. MDP stated that, in addition to the censure motions, they have also requested the parliament to commence this year’s term on the date specified under the Constitution, which was also ordered in the top court’s ruling.

According to the parliamentary regulations, the year’s first sitting must be held on the first Monday or Thursday of February. However, this year’s first session, which would include the presidential address, has been postponed.

It is noteworthy that, with the reinstatement of the 12 parliamentarians that were disqualified last year, the opposition parties have gained the majority of the parliament. Opposition lawmakers now number 43 while parliamentarians of the ruling coalition are 42.

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