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Deposed lawmakers quiz pres Yameen over seat 'eviction'

A recent speech by incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at G.Dh. Thinadhoo confirming he was responsible for dozen lawmakers being deposed from their seats at parliament, has attracted inquiries by the statement's recipients.

The dozen now deposed lawmakers have raised concerns and questioned Maldives president over his actions.

Maduvvari MP Mohamed Ameeth, who is among the 12 'evicted' lawmakers questioned if president Abdulla Yameen reserved authority of influencing independent entities and government institutes.

According to MP Ameeth the Maldives Constitution does not cite any such authorities for the island nation's head of state. He also questioned on the authority president Abdulla Yameen acquired in meddling in parliament affairs and deposing its lawmakers.

Another deposed lawmaker, Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim claimed the island nation's president must be tried at court in light of his assertion in the said speech. He also showed concern over complete inaction from Islamic Ministry and Fatwah Committee with regards to Yameen's actions.

Earlier president Abdulla Yameen during his campaign visit to Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo bemoaned of the challenges his party - Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) - faced due to the dozen lawmakers deciding to floor-cross.

President Yameen lambasted the dozen lawmakers claiming they are unforgivable for their decisions, while challenging that he will not 'spare' the lawmakers for their offense of going against the party's consent.

Since his speech, president Yameen's apparent confirmation of his direct involvement in deposing the lawmakers, the ruling party presidential candidate has attracted harsh criticism.