The opposition PPM/PNC alliance has stated that there was no reason to impeach Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.

Their statement comes after ruling MDP members passed to submit a no-confidence motion against the Speaker on Tuesday. Members of MDP have already started signing the petition to file the motion.

The decision to file a no-confidence motion against Speaker Nasheed passed with the votes of 36 members out of 41 members who attended the PG Group meeting today.

Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam stated that there was no legitimate reason for the impeachment. He further added that the purpose of the parliament is to hold the government accountable, instead of doing everything that the government wanted.

According to the constitution, votes of half of the total number of parliament members are required to impeach the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Hence, a total of 44 votes will be required to impeach Speaker Nasheed if all. 87 members participate in the vote.

There are only eight members who represent the PPM/PNC alliance in the Parliament.

Speaking during a press meet, PG Group Leader and North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam noted that many members have been expressing concern over the current conduct of the Speaker.

Aslam highlighted that the petition will be submitted once the required number of signatures is reached. He noted that around 50 members are expected to sign the petition, out of a total of 56 members.