Parliament Amends Rules to Expedite President’s Removal Process

Amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament were passed today, allowing for the President’s removal solely by the vote of the current MDP members. 

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has utilised its voting power to expedite the process of removing the President. 

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

According to parliamentary rules, a two-thirds majority, equating to 58 out of 87 members, is required for the removal of the President and Vice-President. However, the resignation of seven MPs to assume government positions has raised concerns, as there is no established timeframe for electing new members.

Shifau, who filed the petition citing the resignation of seven members, initially framed his actions as necessary to prevent parliamentary disruption. However, in a shift of tone during today’s parliamentary session, he emphasised the urgency of addressing governance issues.

Despite concerns expressed by some members, Shifau’s amendment, aimed at expediting the removal process, garnered majority support. The amendment’s passage means that the current MDP majority, consisting of 56 members, could potentially remove the President and Vice-President with 54 votes.

Under the new amendment, Parliament must notify the concerned parties within two days of receiving a removal resolution, initiating proceedings within 14 days.

The debate duration has been extended to three hours, granting the President and Vice-President 30 minutes to present their defense. Additionally, a committee of seven members will handle the process, no longer requiring representation from all parties.