Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) has stated that the majority of the Parliament had signaled loss of confidence on Speaker Abdullah Maseeh.
A statement released by the Group reiterated their ‘call dating 7 August 2017 to Maldivian authorities to respect the rights of every individual including parliamentarians, in accordance with national, as well as international, legal and democratic norms and obligations’.
‘The situation in the Maldives is escalating. Judicial decisions have become arbitrary, using various legal tools to curtail the opposition’s freedom of speech, in particular when criticizing the judiciary’s lack of independence from the government’s policies. Six MPs to date have been stripped of their parliamentary seat. Twelve opposition legislators could be charged by the Prosecutor General’s office with criminally entering the People’s Majlis building on 24 July 2017, despite the directives of the military and police officers,’ the statement read.
PGA noted that Speaker Maseeh has refused to convene a parliamentary session. The statement also quoted article 82 (d) of the Maldivian Constitution, which states that the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office if the People’s Majlis at any time so resolve.
In his statement to the Group, Galolhu South Constituency MP Ahmed Mahloof said that it was very clear that Speaker Maseeh does not have enough votes to survive as Speaker. He also pointed out the arbitrary tactics used by the Government to prevent the motion, including arrests and trials. However, he said he and the rest of the opposition will not back down from the mandate.
Parliament session was last held on July 31st.
