Members appeal to MDP PG for dismissal of Nasheed as speaker

Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group (PG) leader Ahmed Aslam has revealed requests have been lodged by many members of the party to dismiss Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed as he pursues efforts to form a new political party while also serving as the leader of MDP.

Nasheed’s new party will be named ‘Fikuregge Dhirun’; the same name given to the separate political movement he initiated within MDP following his loss in the party’s presidential primary back in January. All lawmakers from ‘Fikuregge Dhirun’ faction tendered their resignation from MDP on Wednesday as they pursue the formation of a new political party.

These lawmakers, during a press conference on Wednesday evening, confirmed Fikuregge Dhirun will produce a candidate for the upcoming presidential election. They also said the party was being formed under Nasheed’s direct guidance.

However, Nasheed, himself, has yet to resign from MDP.

Presumably, Nasheed has refrained from tendering his resignation from MDP as Fikuregge Dhirun may lose the parliament’s speakership.

Speaking to Sun on the issue, Aslam said many lawmakers and general members from MDP have been requesting the dismissal of Nasheed. Nevertheless, Aslam said the PG has yet to take an official decision on it.

“We have really tried avoiding taking action against Speaker Nasheed due to the immense respect we have for him. We really have. However, any action that needs to be taken will be taken,” he stressed.

Aslam, stating the party also respects Nasheed, described the absence of Nasheed’s resignation as an indication of his respect and love for the party. 

Although MDP has yet to hold any official discussions on reprimanding Nasheed – discussions regarding the members' requests are expected to take place soon.