Have enough votes to impeach Maseeh: Faris

Dhiggaru Constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon says that he was confident that Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh can be removed from his position, adding that the “united coalition” can take the majority of the Parliament.

Speaking in RaajjeTV’s “Fala Suruhee” program Saturday night, MP Faris, son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said that he was confident that the motion will be passed with a resounding majority.

The motion was filed last week in Parliament with the signatories of 26 MPs. Forty-two MPs must vote in favor of the motion in order to impeach the Speaker.

MP for Kendhoo Consitutency Ali Hussain said that he was confident that many MPs of PPM will back the motion.

Faris had expressed concern, stating that the Government will seek to bribe and intimidate MPs in the days leading up to the vote. However, he urged MPs not to waver in their commitment to bring change, adding that the Government will not be able to take just any measures. He also added that he was not afraid to go to jail.

“The fate of the nation rests with the Parliament Members,” Faris said.

MP Ali Hussain called on the public to call their representatives and encourage their MPs to vote for the motion. He said this was vital in holding the Government and President accountable, as well as forcing the Government and Ministers to fulfill their electoral pledges.

Faris said that with Maseeh’s impeachment, a reformation process can begin under a new leadership. He noted that the laws that infringe public rights will be changed and the Parliament will work to hold state institutions accountable.

While Faris had spoken of a change in the Parliament, he had not specified who will take over that position.