PPM-MDA coalition to submit no-confidence motion against VP Adeeb

The Parliamentary Groups of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) have decided to submit a no-confidence motion against Vice President Ahmed Adeeb.

A PPM MP told Sun Media that this was decided during a MMP-MDA Parliamentary Group meeting this morning, which was attended by 40 MPs.

He added that work is ongoing to collect signatures for the no-confidence motion against Adeeb.

Adeeb is also the Deputy Leader of PPM.

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. Two-thirds of the parliament is 57 out of 85 MPs.

Presently, the government coalition is represented in the parliament by 48 MPs.

Jumhooree Party (JP), which has 11 MPs in the parliament, has also declared support for this motion.

This would bring the total number of pro-votes to 59.

VP Adeeb has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the explosion on the presidential speedboat on 28 September 2015. Criminal Court has granted 15 days as his detention period.