No-confidence motion against Shahid not approved by Parliament

The Parliament has voted and rejected the no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Shahid submitted by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

A total of 25 MPs voted in favor of the motion, while 45 MPs voted against it, resulting in the motion not being passed. Two MPs abstained.

The main issue raised by opposition members who submitted the no-confidence motion was that Shahid made the decision to postpone implementation of article 25 of the parliament rules of procedure, which relates to the response to the presidential address, until the Parliament General Committee completed its assessment of the issue. Their concern was that Shahid makes certain decisions without consulting the relevant groups involved.

Shahid refuted these claims, and said today that he had refrained from responding to any allegations made against him over the past three years, and his sole purpose of doing so has been to be able to carry out his responsibilities as required by the law.

A vote of no-confidence against the Speaker of Parliament was endorsed and submitted to Parliament by 27 members of MDP on 17 February 2012.