The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Eva Abdulla, has tested positive for dengue.

In a letter to the Secretary General of the Parliament, Fathimath Niusha, Eva said she was unable to attend today's session due to dengue fever.

"I have sent medical and blood reports with this letter. Since the session of the day is a sensitive issue on the agenda, I request you to share this letter and documents with the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of Parliament," she said.

A no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed was scheduled to be held today, but Eva was ill and could not proceed with the motion. Parliamentary Secretary General Niusha announced that Eva had sent her sick leave notice while some members of Parliament were present in the hall.

The MDP prosecution group today asked the parliament to replace Eva with another member of parliament. The rules of the procedure state that the Deputy Speaker shall preside over a session in which the Speaker is removed from office. Eva has been ill for some time.

However, Article 82 of the Constitution provides a legal remedy for such situations, some members of the MDP Parliamentary Group said.

Director of Media Hassan Ziyau told One Online today that the MDP has formally requested the parliament to replace Eva with another member. He said some members of parliament had said that.

It has not been decided which member will preside over the House in the absence of Nasheed and Eva. However, in the past, the situation has been presided over by Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef.