MPs from the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are protesting at the Parliament after their motion for a no-confidence vote against Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed was not taken up during today's parliamentary session despite being on the agenda.
The MDP initiated the no-confidence motion against Nasheed on October 9, garnering support from 49 MDP MPs. Official notices regarding the motion were issued to Nasheed and other MPs on October 12, with today's parliamentary session scheduled for its discussion.
The motion could not be proceeded today due to the absence of Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla, who had informed the Parliament she could not attend the session due to illness. As per Parliament rules, the Deputy-Speaker of Parliament is responsible for presiding over a session in which the impeachment of the Speaker is pending.
The parliamentary Secretary General, Fathimath Niusha, announced that she would re-agenda the matter for tomorrow's session as it was not taken up today. The announcement was met with anger from MDP MPs.
The MDP is now preparing to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
