Lawmakers protest over Nasheed's no-confidence motion being thwarted

Lawmakers protested at the People’s Majlis on Sunday, after the sitting the no-confidence motion against Speaker of the People’s Majlis and Former President Mohamed Nasheed was scheduled for, was halted.

The no-confidence motion against Speaker of the People’s Majlis and Former President Mohamed Nasheed was placed on the agenda for the 15th sitting of the third session of the third year scheduled for 9am, October 29.

However, the sitting was cancelled after Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eva Abdulla called in sick.

Lawmakers took to the floor of the parliament in protest of the delay, and warned to continue protesting until the motion is carried out.

The MPs alleged that this was part of a conspiracy.

Further, they called for the resignation of Parliament’s Secretary-General Fathimath Niusha and Council General Fathimath Fizla.

Speaking on Nasheed’s no-confidence motion, some lawmakers stated they were in discussions to file a Supreme Court case, as the proceedings were being obstructed.

Although the sitting was cancelled, North Hithadhoo constituency MP and Leader of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group Mohamed Aslam had addressed a letter to the Secretary-General of Majlis, seeking to proceed with the sitting.

The letter reads that since the Deputy Speaker had called in sick, they sought to carry out the scheduled session to oust Speaker Nasheed from his post, as stated under Article 44 of the rules of the parliament.