MDP’s PG OKs no-confidence motion against Eva

The parliamentary group of the main ruling MDP has approved the submission of a no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla with the Parliament.

The party’s parliamentary group leader, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam said the motion seeking a vote of no-confidence against Eva passed with the unanimous consensus of the parliamentary group on Thursday.

He said that the motion will be submitted to the Parliament as soon as the formalities are complete.

Eva, along with 11 other MPs from the party’s leader Mohamed Nasheed’s ‘Fikuregge Dhirun’ faction had left MDP on Wednesday.

The move was followed by an immediate push by MPs loyal to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to have Eva removed as Deputy Speaker.

Parliamentary regulations dictate that votes to dismiss Speaker or Deputy Speaker requires the majority of the entire Parliament.

In a press conference Wednesday, Eva said she hadn’t stayed with MDP out of desire to defend her post, but that she refused to voluntarily resign.