Some MPs call to withdraw Maldives from Commonwealth

Some MPs representing the government coalition parties in the Peoples’ Majlis has called to withdraw Maldives from the membership of Commonwealth.

The MPs called for the removal of country’s membership from the Commonwealth during the debate on the resolution of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda) which condemned the government’s failure to acknowledge the calls for early elections in the concluding statement of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) MP Riyaz Rasheed said that there is no plausible reason to support such a resolution. He said that the constitution is very clear on the process of holding elections and there is no need for further debate.

He noted that the one of the roles of the Vice President is to ascend to power once a President resigns. He said that this is what is stipulated in the constitution.

In this regard, Riyaz argued that if the Commonwealth is calling to early elections in opposition to the constitution then there is no reason to maintain international ties with such a group who are unjust and biased.

During the debate, MDP MP Mariya Ahmed Didi called on the government to adhere to the calls of the CMAG to reform the National Inquiry Commission. She said that if the government does not acknowledge the calls of the group then the country will have to face many economical drawbacks.

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ilham Ahmed said that early elections cannot be held before 2013. He said that the constitution will have to be amended if early elections are to be held.