President requests 30-day extension to State of Emergency

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has requested the People’s Majlis for a 30-day extension to the 15-day State of Emergency declared in Maldives on February 5.

The request was submitted by the President at the extraordinary People’s Majlis sitting, outside the normal legislative session, held Monday morning.

“As, based on information received by security services, the situation warranting a State of Emergency remains unchanged, I, with the power bestowed upon me as the President as per Article 257 (c) of the Constitution, ask the honorable People’s Majlis to grant a 30-day extension to the decree for State of Emergency and two decrees to revise the original decree, with the power bestowed upon the People’s Majlis as per Article 257 (b) (ii) of the Constitution,” reads the President’s request.

The request for a 30-day extension has now been sent to the National Security Committee of the Majlis.

Opposition MPs boycotted the extraordinary sitting, calling it unconstitutional.

South Galolhu MP Ahmed Mahloof spoke to the press outside the Majlis premises, and said the Constitution calls for at least 43 MPs to be present when a decision affecting the general population is made by the Majlis.

Monday’s extraordinary sitting was attended by 39 MPs.

Speaking at the debate over the decree, Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed questioned the legality of the provisions in the decree which suspend the powers of the People’s Majlis and the judiciary during the State of Emergency. He requested the decree be amended during Committee stage.