Committee grants Nazim 10 minutes to respond to no-confidence motion
The Maldivian Democratic Party proposed extending Nazim’s response time to 20 minutes, but the proposal did not receive support within the committee.
The General Committee of the People's Majlis on Wednesday decided to allocate 10 minutes for Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim to respond to the no-confidence motion seeking his removal from office.
The proposal was approved during a committee meeting held ahead of the parliamentary debate on the motion.
The Maldivian Democratic Party proposed extending Nazim’s response time to 20 minutes, but the proposal did not receive support within the committee.
The no-confidence motion against Nazim was submitted last week by the People's National Congress.
Under the Parliament’s Standing Orders, the General Committee has the authority to determine debate time allocations for such proceedings.
The meeting was chaired by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid.
During the meeting:
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Committee Vice Chairperson and Holhudhoo MP Abdulla Sattar Mohamed proposed a one-hour debate
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The proposal allocated 10 minutes for Nazim’s defence and 50 minutes for debate among members
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The motion was seconded by Dhuvaafaru MP Mohamed Ali
The proposal was approved with five votes in favour among the seven members present. No votes were cast against it.
Before the vote, Maavashu MP Ahmed Shakir questioned whether 10 minutes was sufficient for Nazim to respond to the allegations against him.
Abdulla Sattar stated that he considered the proposed timeframe appropriate.
Committee Chairperson Shahid also noted that while the Standing Orders allow debates of up to three hours, they do not specify a minimum duration.
Ahmed Shakir later proposed allocating Nazim 20 minutes in total, including an additional 10 minutes after members’ speeches. However, the proposal was not put to a vote after failing to receive a seconder.
The no-confidence motion submitted by the PNC alleges that Nazim:
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Misused the influence of his office
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Demonstrated political bias during parliamentary proceedings
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Failed to uphold the rights and privileges of members
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Obstructed members from carrying out constitutional duties
The motion carries the signatures of 73 PNC MPs.
On the same day the PNC parliamentary group decided to pursue Nazim’s removal, President Mohamed Muizzu removed him from a WhatsApp group used to communicate with government-aligned MPs.
Nazim is related to President Muizzu through his mother’s side of the family.
The current parliamentary session, originally scheduled to conclude earlier this month, has been extended until the end of the month to complete pending matters, including the no-confidence motion.
A floor vote on the motion is expected next week.
