Aslam: Parliament cannot continue without scheduling Eva’s no-confidence motion

Mohamed Aslam, the parliamentary group leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said Thursday that the Parliament cannot conduct any work without scheduling the no-confidence motion submitted against Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla.

The main ruling party has submitted no-confidence motions against both the party’s leader Mohamed Nasheed and Deputy Speaker Eva – who left the party last month – accusing both of creating disorder and attempting to stop the functioning of the Parliament.

The notice sent to Eva in the motion against her expires on May 11. However, the Parliament has decided not to schedule the motion for the date, citing that necessary changes have not been brought to the committees after over a dozen MPs from MDP – including Eva – left the party. The Parliament said the General Purposes Committee has not decided on a debate time for the motion.

Expressing concern over the situation in a press conference Thursday, Aslam, who also serves as the representative for the North Hithadhoo constituency, said one of the powers of the state cannot be stopped based on the whims of a certain group.

He said that according to regulations, the Parliament cannot conduct any other work without proceeding with the no-confidence motion against Eva first.

“Following submission of such motions and with the notice period lapsed, the Parliament cannot do any more work without first attending to this. Therefore, after May 11, the Parliament cannot do anything else without finishing this first,” he said.

Aslam alleged the move to table the no-confidence motion citing the lack of changes to the committees was a deliberate stalling tactic.

He said that in past instances of floor crossing, necessary changes were made the very next day.

“There are no grounds to hold the entire Parliament at a standstill by claiming the committee hasn’t decided on debate time,” he said.

“Permanent committees are permanent. Decisions made by the Parliament will remain in effect until decided otherwise. This is the People’s Majlis. We are talking about the institution that passes the laws the people are required to follow.”

Aslam said existing committees remain empowered to make decisions until the Parliament makes changes. He said the political parties do not need to come to an agreement on the composition of committees.

“The biggest issue is that this [changes to the composition of committees] hasn’t come to the Parliament floor. So, get this done as soon as possible,” he said.