Parliament passes bill disqualifying former President Nasheed as MDP member

The Amendment Bill to the Prison and Parole Act submitted by the government, which states that criminal convicts cannot be members of political parties, has been passed by parliament.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed would no longer be a member of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) once the law is enforced following ratification by the President.

This would leave the post of President of MDP vacant.

The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Gemanafushi MP Jameel Usman, was passed with 43 votes in favour.

MDP supporters protested outside the parliament building during voting.

Protesters claimed that Nasheed was elected as president by the party, and cannot be removed from the post by anyone other than the party.

MPs of MDP did not participate in the vote, and instead shouted and protested when the vote was taken.

The parliament sitting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Reeko Moosa Manik.