Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla has resigned from her post after speaking in defense against the motion to remove her from office.
Eva's resignation letter was received by the Parliament and read out to the chamber. Following that, the Speaker decided not to proceed with the motion.
The impeachment motion signed by 50 Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs was put on the agenda for today's session.
Speaking in her defense, Eva alleged the former ruling party of punishing her for their loss in the presidential election.
"The truth is, sir, I told an incompetent arrogant government that it is an incompetent arrogant government. The truth is that the government was very displeased with me. And I was very displeased with that government," she said.
Eva claimed that the MDP government was unhappy with her for talking about some of the government's corruption and criticizing some of the wrong measures taken by the government.
"This is their punishment for me after losing power," she said.
She also spoke about some of the work she has done in the 19th Parliament and some of the changes she has brought. She said the current Parliament session has become the most transparent and the most cost-efficient.
“The current 19th Parliament, under the Speakership of President Mohamed Nasheed and with me as the deputy, has become the most transparent session," Eva claimed.
She said one of the steps taken to reduce expenses was to check the attendance of MPs and deduct salaries for days of absence.
The only item on the agenda for today's session was the motion to remove Eva. The sitting ended following her resignation.
