Nasheed no-confidence motion scheduled for 5th time

The no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, which has enough signatures to remove him from office, is on the agenda for next Sunday’s sitting.

The matter was first put on the agenda for last Sunday. However, the sitting could not be held due to the absence of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eva Abdulla.

According to the rules of the People's Majlis, the Deputy Speaker shall preside over the no-confidence motion against the Speaker. The way to proceed if the Deputy Speaker is not present is not stated in the rules.

The no-confidence motion was on the agenda for all days except Tuesday this week. However, the sittings could not proceed as Eva has been on sick leave.

MDP has filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Tuesday after the issue was not resolved in Parliament. The Supreme Court has accepted the case and scheduled a hearing for next Monday. Opposing PPM-PNC have decided to intervene in this case.

The no-confidence motion against Nasheed was moved for the second time with the support of 49 MPs. Nasheed needs 43 votes to be removed from his post.

The parliament is at a standstill as the matter was not pursued despite having enough signatures for him to be removed from his post. MDP, which has a super majority in Parliamnent, says the Parliament cannot take up any more issues without taking up Nasheed's case.

The Finance Ministry has also submitted a supplementary budget to the parliament due to lack of funds for the rest of the year. The swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is to be held on the 17th of this month.

MDP says Nasheed will not accept the oath of office if he remains as Speaker. MDP also said Nasheed would not approve Muizzu's the cabinet.