Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has exacted the sentiments of opposition and apparent disqualified lawmakers, reiterating the MPs did not lose their parliamentary seats.
Following the Supreme Court's ruling on Sunday night, Nasheed was quick to tweet saying "Supreme Court has bolstered the safety of the four lawmakers from their ruling, which means the no-confidence motion of parliament speaker must proceed."
The ambiguous verdict from the top court has sparked mass confusion between pro-government lawmakers and their opposition counterparts - with each band comprehending the meaning in their favor.
Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim, Dhidhdhoo lawmaker Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Maduvvaree MP Mohamed Ameeth and Villingili MP Saud Hussain had all challenged their disqualifications at the top court.
The top court has said the ruling clearly states that it would not apply to any past events in retrospect to the latest precedent.
On Sunday, the Supreme Court reiterated that the anti-defection ruling would only be effective from July 13 and would only apply to events from that date.
Thus, the top court has confirmed that there was "nothing more to settle" over the anti-defection cases of the four lawmakers, rendering the claim of the specified lawmakers' disqualification null and void - according to several opposition tied members and politicians.
However, pro-government parliamentarian and Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) PG group leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik claims Supreme Court has upheld Election Commission's ruling over the anti-defection rule on the lawmakers.
Meanwhile vice-president of PPM Abdul Raheem Abdullah has said the disqualified MPs had challenged the rule at top court, requesting to dismiss the claim. However Supreme Court's verdict on Sunday night had fortified there's no room for the dismissal of the claim.
Amid the warring debate between pro-government lawmakers and opposition, Elections Commission took to the public their plans for the by-election going forth for six constituencies which includes the challenging lawmakers' constituents.
