Jumhoory Party leader Qasim Ibrahim (L)  and Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Jumhoory Party (JP) on Tuesday denied the accusations of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) that they are working to unlawfully topple the government after removing Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh from his position.
Speaking to press after a meeting with President Abdulla Yameen on Monday night, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah claimed that Jumhoory Party’s leader and local tycoon Qasim Ibrahim uses his earnings from his business to fund the alleged coup in the works.
He also declared that the 10 lawmakers of PPM who signed the joint opposition’s petition to seek a motion of no confidence against the parliament speaker were lured by Qasim’s wealth.
Countering the claims, Secretary General of JP Ahmed Sameer stated that the four political leaders of the joint opposition have begun a reform movement as the current government has been waylaid and the basic rights of citizens infringed.
Condemning the accusations, he also described it as uncivilized and claimed that the allegations stem from the government having no options left to them.
Meanwhile, a date has not yet been finalized to schedule the no confidence vote against the parliament speaker.
Notably, most of the ruling party lawmakers that signed the no confidence motion petition have since resigned from PPM. However, a constitutional case has been filed at the Supreme Court by the Attorney General on behalf of the government, seeking to oust lawmakers from their parliament seats if they shift political parties.