Nasheed claims PNC moved against Nazim after 23 MPs attempted to cross sides and plan no‑confidence vote on President

Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Thursday evening that the ruling PNC parliamentary group moved a no‑confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim because 23 PNC MPs attempted to switch parties with him and were preparing to submit a no‑confidence motion against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at a Bodu Badhalu rally at Artificial Beach, Nasheed said the ruling party has not publicly explained its loss of confidence in Nazim.

“I know it is because 23 MPs are crossing sides with Nazim. They are trying to change their party and they are trying to take a no‑confidence vote on the President,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed went on to sharply criticise the President, calling him “unscrupulous.”

He alleged that the second‑largest party, PPM, was dissolved on the President’s orders, and said President Muizzu had sidelined former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and dismissed former Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. He said Maldivians had seen similar behaviour before and would not accept betrayal.

“President Muizzu is unfaithful not only to his wife but also to his fellow political leaders. The people of Maldives will not accept him,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed reiterated his pledge to change the government.

The PNC parliamentary group decided last Wednesday to remove Nazim from the post of Deputy Speaker. However, the reason for the sudden loss of confidence has not been officially disclosed.

A senior PNC member previously said Nazim had been asked to resign but refused, prompting the impeachment move.

The resolution signed by 73 MPs accuses Nazim of abusing his position to create sedition and disrupt the interests of Parliament, though it does not specify the allegations in detail. It also states that Nazim has obstructed the duties of MPs.

“The Deputy Speaker of Parliament has been absolved of his responsibility for abusing his influence, creating sedition and repeatedly being biased and distracting the interests of the Parliament,” the resolution said.