Parliament: Vice President has to answer to the Parliament, not a lawyer

The Parliament Administration has said that a lawyer cannot answer in place of the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.

A letter sent to the Vice President’s lawyer, Husnu Suood with the signature of the President of the Parliament, Abdulla Maseeh says that the Vice President has to respond to the no confidence motion against him directly.

The Vice President was asked to answer directly under Article 100-D of the Constitution.

- Article 100 of the Constitution: Removal of President or Vice President

(a) The People’s Majlis, by a resolution, may remove the President or the Vice President from office only on the grounds of:

1. direct violation of a tenet of Islam, the Constitution or law;

2. serious misconduct unsuited to the office of the President or Vice President; or

3. inability to perform the responsibilities of office of President or Vice President

(b) A resolution as provided for in article (a), must be submitted to the People’s Majlis, under the hand of at least one third of the members, specifying the reasons.

(c) The People’s Majlis may establish a committee to investigate the matters specified in the resolution calling for removal of the President or Vice President.

(d) At least fourteen days notice of the debate in the People’s Majlis 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.

(e) A resolution to remove the President or Vice President from office as specified in article (a) shall only be passed if it receives a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the People’s Majlis, and in such event the President or Vice President shall cease to hold office.

(f) The Regulations governing the functioning of the People’s Majlis shall specify the principles and procedures concerning a resolution to remove the President or Vice President from office as provided in this Constitution.

The letter to the Vice President Jameel from the Parliament said that a lawyer can accompany the Vice President when he attends Parliament.

No confidence motion against the Vice President is scheduled at the Parliament for tomorrow.