VP to present defence against no-confidence motion in writing

Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has decided to present his defence in writing to the parliament, against the imminent no-confidence motion against him.

A close ally of the VP told Sun Online that he is presently in London, and will not return to the Maldives for the parliament sitting.

The notice to present his defence was sent to Dr Jameel on 30 June 2015.

Article 100 (d) of the Constitution states, “At least fourteen days notice of the debate in the People’s Majlis [the parliament] concerning such a resolution shall be given to the President or Vice President, and the President or the Vice President shall have the right to defend himself in the sittings of the People’s Majlis, both orally and in writing, and has the right to legal counsel.”

A recent revision to the Parliament Rules of Procedure allows it to vote on no-confidence motions against the Vice President in absentia. It states that no-confidence motions against the Vice President shall be finalised by being put to the floor for voting on the day of the debate, even if the Vice President is absent at the meeting.

Article 100 (e) of the Constitution states that a resolution to remove the President or Vice President from office shall only be passed if it receives a two-thirds majority of the parliament.

While Article 100 (b) requires the signatures of at least one-third of total MPs for such a resolution to be submitted to the parliament, the one against Dr Jameel was submitted under the hand of 61 MPs – more than two-thirds of the parliament.