Supreme Court annuls MP Saudhulla’s disqualification

Supreme Court has overruled the decision by Elections Commission to disqualify North Thinadhoo MP Saudhulla Hilmy for floor crossing and reinstated him to the People's Majlis.

The court made its decision with the unanimous agreement of all five Supreme Court judges this Monday evening.

Supreme Court noted in its verdict that statements from both sides prove Saudhulla sent his letter to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) informing them of his decision to leave the party before the Anti-Defection Act took effect on July 13, 2017. And that PPM’s constitution explicitly states members are removed from the party the moment they send a letter to the office with their request.

The court said it was clear Saudhulla sent a letter to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) informing them of his decision to leave the party on July 10, 2017. And a letter to Elections Commission informing them of his decision the next day.

The Supreme Court annulled the disqualification of four lawmakers this Monday; South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Ahmed, South Machangolhi MP Abdulla Sinan, Dhangethi MP Ilhaam Ahmed and North Thinadhoo MP Saudhulla Hilmy.