Hassan Afeef meets President Solih

Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef, who has been appointed to temporarily preside over the parliamentary sittings, on Monday, met President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office.

The President’s Office’s Spokesperson Miuvaan Mohamed, confirming the meeting took place sometime on Monday afternoon, told Sun it was Afeef who requested the meeting. Miuvaan did not disclose any further details regarding the meeting, including what was discussed.

Afeef was appointed to preside over the parliamentary sittings after Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla recused themselves from presiding over sittings in the face of no-confidence motions against them.

The Parliament’s Secretary General Fathimath Niusha, therewith, requested Afeef to preside over the parliament’s sittings under Article 44 (f) of the parliament’s regulations.

Pro-government lawmakers claim Afeef was appointed to preside over the sittings in violation of regulations. The discontent lawmakers, during various sittings chaired by Afeef, have obstructed the sittings from proceeding. 

It is therewith likely that Afeef's meeting with the president was regarding the deadlock presently faced within the parliament. 

Afeef, can only preside over three consecutive sittings as acting chair.  Monday marked his third sitting, in this trajectory.