After the controversial arrest of Maldives Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, Parliamentary Committee on General Affairs has passed to allow 30 minutes to him in his defence. Parliament will carry no-confidence motion against him.
According to Constitution, the VP will be afforded a chance to respond to the impeachment in person or writing. Hence, if VP Adeeb wishes to be present to respond to the motion, that it should be allowed so, Haveeru reported.
However it is unclear on whether the VP, arrested for the explosion aboard the presidential speebdboat, will be allowed to respond in person as the two hearings since his arrest were held via video conferencing.
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The ruling coalition had filed the impeachment motion against the VP on Tuesday, with the signature of 52 parliamentarians, including members form the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), its coalition partner Maldivian Development Alliance (MDA) and Jumhooree Party (JP).
Article 100 (b) of the Constitution notes in order to remove the President or Vice President, a resolution must be submitted under the hand of at least one third of the members, with reasons specified.
According to Article 100 (d), the President or Vice President should be provided 14 days’ notice of the debate concerning such a resolution. It also states that the President or the Vice President shall have the right to defend him in the sittings of the parliament, both orally and in writing, and has the right to legal counsel.
Furthermore, Article 100 (e) of the Constitution states that a resolution to remove the President or Vice President from office shall only be passed if it receives a two-thirds majority of the parliament.
The total time allocated for the parliament debate on the no-confidence motion is two hours. Adeeb will be given 10 minutes in the beginning, 10 minutes in the middle, and 10 minutes at the end of the debate.
Read the full report here.