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Maldives oppn demands president’s resignation
The political deadlock in Maldives continued on Thursday with the opposition demanding President Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation followed by a fresh election to tide over the clash between the executive and legislature.
The political deadlock in Maldives continued on Thursday with the opposition demanding President Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation followed by a fresh election to tide over the clash between the executive and legislature.
Two opposition leaders arrested on Wednesday on corruption charges have been put under house arrest. The opposition did not rule out more arrests and crackdowns.
While there was no report of any violence, Male for one remained deeply polarised between the government and its opponents; former President and dictator, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, continues to have support among the elite and business class in the city of around 1.2 lakh residents.
Known for its white, sandy beaches, secluded holiday islands and lately for its fight against global warming, this 20-month old democracy has been stuck in a political stalemate since Tuesday. That was when its 13-member cabinet resigned en masse saying legislations were being blocked by the opposition-controlled 77-member Parliament.
Nasheed, it was learnt, is currently running the administration with junior ministers and bureaucrats and there’s no word yet about renaming the cabinet.
The opposition had planned to bring a no-confidence motion against the education minister on Wednesday, but the cabinet resignation pre-empted the move.
