Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb has accused the government of threatening some lawmakers over the no-confidence motion against Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

MDP had filed a case in the Supreme Court on October 29, alleging that the no-confidence motion against Nasheed could not be held due to deputy speaker Eva Abdulla's absence.

Ilyas, who also contested the presidential election on a Democratic ticket, said on 'Sangu TV' last night that Nasheed's no-confidence motion had been filed in violation of the rules of the parliament. Ilyas also questioned the authenticity of the signatures of the 49 lawmakers who signed the no-confidence motion against Nasheed.

"We don't have that much clarity on how these signatures have been acquired. Some people say they signed when they were taken to the Aarah, some people said they actually thought they were signing an attendance sheet," Ilyas said.

Ilyas said some of the signatories of Nasheed's case had signed after they were told the state would give flats to some people in the constituency. He added that the MP's signed out of fear that the names would be removed from the list. Ilyas also alleged that the government was intimidating members in other ways as well.

"We have noticed that members are being blackmailed and intimidated. Some people's cases are still pending in the police office, in court, at various places. They have been told their cases will be closed if they sign it," Ilyas said.

Ilyas further added that democrats will cooperate with whatever is done within the constitution and rules.