Parliament members from the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition are reportedly set to vote against the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) initiated no-confidence motion targeting Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that while the PPM/PNC coalition has yet to officially decide on the motion, its members are in support of Nasheed and will vote against the motion.
The no-confidence motion, signed by 54 parliament members, was formally submitted yesterday, signalling a potential shakeup in the parliamentary leadership. The MDP moved the motion citing various reasons for the proposed dismissal of Speaker Nasheed.
One key grievance raised by the MDP is Nasheed’s alleged failure to reconstitute parliament standing committees, halting important legislative work. The motion also accuses Nasheed of frequently leaving parliament sessions without explanation, which is seen as neglecting his responsibilities.
Moreover, the MDP claims that Nasheed has shown support for members actively disrupting parliamentary meetings, intending to undermine the government’s legislative agenda. It is alleged that Nasheed engaged in debates while presiding over parliamentary sessions, violating protocol and impartiality expected from the Speaker.
The obstruction of a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath is another point of contention mentioned in the motion. The MDP alleges that Nasheed intentionally impeded the proceedings, potentially leading to a parliamentary deadlock.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about Nasheed’s personal relationships with certain members, with the motion suggesting that this could compromise his ability to maintain impartiality in his role as Speaker.
The no-confidence motion will now undergo deliberation and debate in Parliament, with a vote expected to take place in the coming days. If the motion receives a majority vote, Speaker Nasheed will be removed from his position, necessitating the selection of a new speaker.
As the developments unfold, Speaker Nasheed has yet to comment on the allegations made in the motion.
Meanwhile, the Parliament has scheduled a separate no-confidence motion filed against Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla, who recently resigned from the MDP. Following her departure from the party alongside Speaker Nasheed’s supporters to form a new political party challenging President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the upcoming presidential election, the MDP parliamentary group took swift action to remove her from the post. The debate on the no-confidence motion targeting Eva is set for June 11.
