Deputy Speaker Eva Remains on Leave, Parliament Session for Today Canceled
Photo: Majlis
The parliamentary session scheduled for Sunday, dedicated to addressing the no-confidence motion against Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, faced another setback as Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla remained on sick leave.
This marks the fifth unsuccessful attempt to proceed with the motion.
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Originally planned for last Sunday, the parliamentary sitting was called off due to Eva’s absence. As a member of Nasheed’s own political party, the Democrats, and also his cousin, her absence resulted in the cancellation of the no-confidence motion on several occasions throughout the preceding week.
Under the parliament’s regulations, a no-confidence motion against the speaker necessitates the presence of the deputy speaker to preside over the proceedings. However, the regulations do not explicitly address situations in which the deputy speaker is unavailable.
The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which initiated the no-confidence motion with support from 49 MPs, has taken further action by lodging a case with the Supreme Court, which has been accepted for hearing on Monday.
In response, the opposition coalition consisting of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) has chosen to intervene in the case.
According to parliamentary regulations, any other legislative business cannot proceed while a no-confidence motion against the speaker remains unresolved.
MDP, holding 56 seats in the parliament, has taken a firm stance against engaging in any parliamentary proceedings aside from the no-confidence motion. They have also issued a warning, stating their reluctance to endorse President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s inauguration if Nasheed retains his position as speaker and his cabinet is approved.
The inauguration ceremony is set for November 17th. Meanwhile, matters await attention in parliament, such as the supplementary budget for the remainder of the current year and the proposed state budget for the forthcoming year, submitted by the Finance Ministry.
