The Parliament has scheduled an out-of-session sitting for Sunday to deliberate on the no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim.
The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) decided to seek his dismissal over allegations that he has been operating with "political bias" and attempting to disrupt the Parliament.
“The Deputy Speaker has repeatedly abused his position for undue influence, incited discord, and acted with clear bias in a manner that undermines the interests of the Majlis. Furthermore, he has demonstrated political prejudice in all parliamentary proceedings, encouraged the disruption of legislative harmony, and abdicated his official responsibilities,” the no-confidence motion stated.
The move to oust Nazim comes as he has left the country. His departure followed rumours that authorities were seeking his arrest.
Nazim is regarded as one of the most experienced political figures currently active in the Maldives. He previously served as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament from 2009 until 2015.
Nazim was a close associate of former President Abdulla Yameen. He played a pivotal role in the People’s Alliance, the first political party founded by Yameen.
However, following a political fallout during Yameen’s presidency, Nazim was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2015 after being convicted of corruption. Later that year, while travelling to Singapore on medical leave, he sought and was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom.
Nazim returned to the Maldives in 2018 after the Supreme Court overturned his conviction.
