Supreme Court re-seats four more MPs
The court’s full bench issued the verdict at separate hearings on Monday
Dhangethi MP Ilham Ahmed, one of the 12 MPs unseated by the Elections Commission
Supreme Court has ruled to re-seat North Mahchangolhi MP Abdulla Sinan, South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Ahmed, Dhangethi MP Ilham Ahmed, and North-Thinadhoo Saudhulla Hilmy.
The court’s full bench issued the verdict at separate hearings on Monday.
Last year, the Elections Commission declared the dismissal of 12 MPs from parliament for violating a floor-crossing ban. While the commission recently reversed its decision, the Supreme Court refused to abide by it since the court has already begun the appeal process. Because of this, the commission’s attorneys defended their original decision to unseat the MPs at the appeal hearings.
After Monday’s verdict, MP Sinan commended the opposition leaders for working to bring justice to the 12 MPs that were unseated last year and expressed his hope that they will continue their reform work.
Attorney Ibrahim Riffath said that since all the 12 MPs’ cases are similar, he expects the Supreme Court to give the same verdict to the others.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court reseated four other MPs. They are Villingili MP Saud Hussain, Maduvvari MP Mohamed Ameeth, Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim, and Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul latheef. Since the verdict, these MPs have begun attending parliament sittings.
The apex court will next give its verdict on Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa, Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla, North Fuvahmulah MP Ali Shah, and Hanimaadhoo MP Hussain Shahudhee.
