In a recurring effort to address the political deadlock, the People’s Majlis has once again scheduled the contentious no-confidence motion against Speaker Mohamed Nasheed for Sunday. This marks the latest attempt in a series of scheduled sittings that have been marred by procedural impasses and the absence of Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla, whose presence is essential for presiding over the motion as stipulated by parliamentary rules.
The political saga within the Maldivian legislature has intensified with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), previously aligned with Nasheed, relentlessly pushing for the motion’s consideration. The MDP’s firm stance, endorsed by 49 lawmakers, demands that no other parliamentary business precede the motion, asserting that it must be the primary agenda item in accordance with legislative protocol.
Amidst this legislative standstill, the role of the judiciary has been brought to the forefront. The MDP’s constitutional petition filed with the Supreme Court, set for deliberation on Monday, seeks to resolve the procedural deadlock by obtaining a directive that mandates the prioritisation of the no-confidence motion. This move is an escalation that signifies the complexity of the Maldives’ current political landscape and the intricate balance between legislative procedures and judicial intervention.
As part of the unfolding drama, The Democrats’ Parliamentary Group Leader, MP Ali Azim, has made a public appeal to halt any parliamentary deliberation on the motion until a judicial ruling is provided. His letter to Secretary General Fathimath Niusha emphasises the potential influence of parliamentary debate on the Supreme Court’s decision-making process, thereby advocating for a delay in tabling the motion.
Further complicating the matter is the procedural uncertainty caused by the illness of Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla. With the parliamentary standing orders lacking clarity on the course of action when both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are incapacitated, the MDP has cited standard practice for general sittings as a potential workaround, a position not without its detractors.
The legal intricacies of the situation were dissected by the MDP’s legal team, spearheaded by former President’s Office legal counsel Ahmed Abdulla Afeef. The press conference illuminated the MDP’s perspective that the Secretary General’s interpretation of the rules was flawed and that adherence to Article 44 of the parliamentary rules, which governs the appointment of an acting chair in such instances, was non-negotiable.
As the People’s Majlis grapples with this legislative limbo, the intervention of The Democrats, alongside the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), in the Supreme Court petition suggests a multiparty concern over the matter. The court’s impending decision has far-reaching implications, potentially affecting the inauguration of the President-elect and the functionality of the upcoming administration.