Opposition to resubmit no-confidence motion against speaker Maseeh this week

The opposition coalition is to resubmit the no-confidence motion against speaker Abdulla Maseeh this week.

The opposition is yet to officially announce this.

Some members spoke to RaajjeMV under the condition of anonymity, revealing that the coalition will resubmit the motion this week.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a parliamentary group meeting on Sunday, where they are to have discussed the matter. RaajjeMV understands the PG's leadership had, at the meeting, revealed that the no-confidence motion against the speaker will be submitted this week.

Back in March, the opposition had submitted the motion to parliament with 26 signatures, but Maseeh survived the impeachment, as the opposition failed to get the required 42 votes. 48 lawmakers had voted against the no-confidence motion against the speaker.

Later in April, the opposition submitted the motion again, this time with 31 signatures. However, a day after it was submitted, parliament submitted, reviewed and passed amendments stipulating that no-confidence motions against parliament speakers and their deputies can only be submitted with a minimum of 42 signatures. While parliamentarians aligned with the opposition had abstained from the vote, it was passed with 46 votes.

Votes of 42 MPs are required to pass the no-confidence motion against the speaker. Maseeh represents President Abdulla Yameen’s faction of PPM, which hold majority in parliament.