The dozen lawmakers who were deposed according to Elections Commission due to an anti-defection law has been invited for parliament special sitting on Monday after getting reinstated following the annulment of the law.
Maldives Supreme Court on February 1 declared the annulment of parliament floor-crossing regulation, thus reinstating as many as 12 lawmakers back to their elected constituencies. State had not defied the part of top-court ruling citing the annulment however had opposed to implementing the release of jailed political dissidents.
Thulusdhoo constituency lawmaker Mohamed Waheed confirmed that he received invitation for Monday's special sitting at People's Majilis (local parliament house). He had insisted of requesting from the parliament to release the currently incarcerated lawmakers to allow them to partake in the sitting as well.
South-Galolhu lawmaker Ahmed Mahloof asserted that the parliament administration had messaged inviting all 12 reinstated members to the special sitting, thus the jailed lawmakers should be released to partake in Monday's parliament session.
Mahloof insisted the parliament sitting should proceed in the presence of all 12 reinstated lawmakers.
The top-court annulment of anti-defection law on February 1, cited the floor-crossing rule has been nullified with respect to Articles 141 and 145 of Maldives Constitution and serves as a temporary 'balm' to facilitate the absence of an implemented act regarding anti-defection regulations.
Meanwhile former secretary general of parliament Ahmed Mohamed acknowledged the top-court's order stating it was "clear and parliament will proceed with the inclusion of these reinstated members."
From the twelve lawmakers reinstated through the top-court's order, Dhan'gethi MP Ilham Ahmed and south-Machhangolhi MP Abdulla Sinan are currently under arrest on allegations of attempting to overthrow a constitutional government while Dhiggaru constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon is in jail for charges of bribing lawmakers during no-confidence motion of parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh.
Faris Maumoon is also alleged with a case of impersonation as well.
