MDP's Motion to Remove Speaker Mohamed Nasheed Delayed

The Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) much-anticipated motion to remove Speaker Mohamed Nasheed from his position could not be tabled yesterday. This comes in the wake of a rift that had emerged within the party, exacerbated by Nasheed and the Democrats' refusal to back the MDP's candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in the second round of the recent presidential elections.

Earlier in the month, showcasing its discontent with Nasheed's stance, the MDP rallied the support of 49 lawmakers to submit a motion aiming to oust him. As stipulated by parliamentary procedure, a 14-day notice period for the no-confidence motion had lapsed, positioning it for deliberation in yesterday's session.

However, an unforeseen turn of health issues concerning Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla added a wrinkle to the planned proceedings. The Deputy Speaker, who has been unwell and on leave since the previous week, threw the schedule into disarray.

Secretary General Fathimath Niusha, in a brief to the media, disclosed that Eva Abdulla had written to the office earlier today, conveying her reason for abstinence. Confirming this disruption, the parliament secretariat made a public announcement about the session's cancellation.

The MDP, in a public statement, has expressed its steadfast determination to ensure Speaker Nasheed's removal from parliament. The party has adamantly declared that without the resolution in place, it will not cooperate with any of the house's subsequent proceedings. Taking its commitment a step further, MDP has also passed a three-line whip, making it imperative for its members to rally behind the cause of removing Nasheed from the House.