VP given notice to present defence for no-confidence motion

The parliament has given notice to Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed to present his defence in relation to the motion of no-confidence against him.

This has been confirmed to Sun Online by Parliament General Secretary Ahmed Mohamed, who said that the notice was sent on 30 June 2015.

Article 100 (d) of the Constitution states, “At least fourteen days notice of the debate in the People’s Majlis [the parliament] concerning such a resolution shall be given to the President or Vice President, and the President or the Vice President shall have the right to defend himself in the sittings of the People’s Majlis, both orally and in writing, and has the right to legal counsel.”

A recent revision to the Parliament Rules of Procedure allows it to vote on no-confidence motions against the Vice President in absentia. It states that no-confidence motions against the Vice President shall be finalised by being put to the floor for voting on the day of the debate, even if the Vice President is absent at the meeting.

Article 100 (e) of the Constitution states that a resolution to remove the President or Vice President from office shall only be passed if it receives a two-thirds majority of the parliament.

While Article 100 (b) requires the signatures of at least one-third of total MPs for such a resolution to be submitted to the parliament, the one against Dr Jameel was submitted under the hand of 61 MPs – more than two-thirds of the parliament.