MDP parliamentarians begin requesting removal of Nasheed as speaker

Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) parliamentarians have begun requesting the removal of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed from the post.

MDP’s Parliamentary Group Leader, Hithadhoo MP Mohamed told Sun that many members of MDP Parliamentary Group have expressed lack of confidence in Nasheed.

“Many members of parliamentary group have stated they have no confidence for Nasheed who is serving as the Parliament Speaker. Therefore, they wish to submit a no-confidence motion against Nasheed to the parliament as well,” he had said.

Aslam said that should the members request, a parliamentary group meeting will be held where they will take a vote on the matter. He added that if filing a no-confidence motion is approved in the meeting – the motion will then be submitted to the parliament.

The parliament comprises of 65 MDP members – of which the majority supports President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Nasheed’s removal as Parliament Speaker is being requested at a time he claimed to have received four pictures that showed President Solih having sexual relations with a young girl.

Although many people have requested Nasheed to reveal the pictures – he has failed to do so. MDP’s Chairperson, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has requested Nasheed to share the pictures he claims to have with the police.

However, he has yet to file the case with the police

Nasheed has previously stated that his relationship with President Solih will never severe. He also stressed that there was no doubt both of them will be able to work together in the future.

The rift between Nasheed and President Solih has escalated this time over the arrest of Nasheed’s younger brother, Nazim Sattar, by the police in their probe of the video leaked online which allegedly shows Nazim engaging in sexual relations with Bangladeshi sex worker, Alamgiri.

In a tweet shortly after Nazim’s arrest, Nasheed said his brother’s arrest was selective and politically motivated to appease hardline extremists in the coalition government. He also said the arrest was made in violation of criminal procedures.

Speaking to Sun regarding the matter, Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam said that Nasheed currently lacked the requirements a speaker should have in a law-making body of an Islamic nation.

She added that should Nasheed wish to defend his arrested brother – he cannot do so “in that manner” while holding the post of the parliament speaker.