PNC declines to detail reasons behind Nazim's removal

The leadership of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has declined to disclose the specific actions that led to the removal of Ahmed Nazim from his positions as Deputy Speaker of Parliament and President of the party's Diggaru constituency.

During a Senate meeting held on 2 June, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who serves as President of the PNC, informed members that Nazim had been removed from his role as Diggaru Constituency President.

The decision was taken under powers granted to the party leadership through the Senate's operational regulations.

The issue was raised during a press conference on Monday, where PNC leaders provided updates on the party's upcoming congress and internal elections. Diggaru is among the constituencies scheduled to elect a new president following Nazim's removal.

Responding to questions from journalists, PNC Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the party leadership has the authority to act when a constituency president engages in conduct considered harmful to the party.

"The party's operational regulations state that if the leadership observes a constituency president acting in a way that harms the party, the leadership retains the authority to take action against them. Based on his actions, we decided that it would be most beneficial for the party to remove him," Abdul Raheem said.

Asked whether the party was considering further disciplinary action, including expulsion, Abdul Raheem said no such action had been taken.

"No such action has taken place so far," he said.

Journalists repeatedly sought clarification on the specific conduct that resulted in Nazim's removal. Abdul Raheem responded that retaining a constituency president who no longer enjoys the confidence of the parliamentary group and party leadership could pose a risk to the party.

However, he declined to provide further details.

"At this moment, I do not wish to go into those details," Abdul Raheem said.

He added that the reasons behind the loss of confidence were outlined in the parliamentary resolution submitted to remove Nazim from the post of Deputy Speaker and that he could not elaborate beyond the contents of that document.

The resolution itself does not specify individual incidents but cites several allegations, including abuse of office to obtain undue benefits, creating division, favouritism, acting against the public interest, displaying political bias in parliamentary proceedings, contributing to disorder within Parliament, and failing to protect the rights and privileges of members.

Nazim remains a member of Parliament despite his removal from the positions of Deputy Speaker and Diggaru Constituency President.