PPM/PNC Coalition To Intervene in Supreme Court Case on No-Confidence Motion

The Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition has opted to intervene in the ongoing Supreme Court case concerning the no-confidence motion targeting Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed.

This move follows an announcement by The Democrats of their intention to intervene in the same case. 

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The Democrats emphasised that their decision to intervene in the Supreme Court case, initiated by the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stems from the matter’s parliamentary significance.

The Supreme Court accepted the Constitutional case filed by MDP, seeking resolution for the impasse surrounding the stalled no-confidence motion. The motion, supported by 49 signatures, was submitted on October 9. 

Per parliamentary procedures, Speaker Nasheed was expected to respond within 14 days of receiving the notice. However, the parliamentary sessions were cancelled due to Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla’s filing for sick leave.

MDP has highlighted the parliamentary regulations that dictate the protocol for circumstances where the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unable to preside over a session. According to MDP, the senior-most member appointed by the Speaker should assume responsibility. 

However, the Secretary General of Parliament has contended that the regulations specify that only the Deputy Speaker can preside over a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. The absence of explicit provisions for situations where the Deputy Speaker is unavailable for this duty has created contention.

The Parliamentary Group of MDP has taken a stance, declaring non-cooperation with any parliamentary proceedings until the no-confidence motion concludes.