Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) parliamentary group leader and Vilimale' MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has confirmed the party does not plan to take any actions against its aligned lawmaker of south-Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed.
Nasheed who is aligned with the ruling party had refused to cast vote on last Tuesday for president Abdulla Yameen requested motion of extending state of emergency by 30 additional days. Prior to the parliament sitting, a three-line whip was issued by the ruling party regarding the motion as well.
Speaking about the recent parliament sitting and explaining about the party's decisions regarding its aligned member Nasheed, the parliamentary group leader said PPM will not be taking any actions against the lawmaker despite the presence of a three-line whip prior to the motion voting.
MP Nihan had said that the ruling party was going through some significant amendments to place relief for its lawmakers by allowing them with the right to exercise refusal or acceptance to vote in matters.
Speaking at the sitting on last Tuesday, Nasheed had expressed his concerns regarding the state of emergency as well as its extension. The lawmaker had pressed about the powers vested in the head of state in restricting constitutional rights while declaring the state of emergency.
Nasheed noted that while the head of state may reserve the right to temporarily suspend certain constitutional rights, he does not believe the president can restrict parliament and judiciary powers.
