Maldives Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said that he wishes to remain in his position despite facing a no-confidence motion.
A no-confidence motion against Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has been filed by 54 members of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) parliamentary group.
During a press briefing at the parliament's secretariat yesterday, Speaker Nasheed said that, considering the best interests of the political parties and the parliament, it would be best that he did not resign at this time.
Nasheed further said that he had received messages from several members who had signed the motion, expressing that they had been pressured into doing so.
"I will only know how they [MPs] will act when they have to vote,” Nasheed said.
Speaker Nasheed said that the resolution of the current situation lies in the hands of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is also the main leader of MDP. Nasheed called for the withdrawal of the no-confidence motion against either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker.
"I am prepared to act accordingly," Nasheed said.
When asked why he remained a member of MDP, Nasheed replied that he aimed to "bring MDP under The Democrats." He reassured that this will be accomplished after the presidential election scheduled for September 9.
Additionally, Nasheed said that once the notice period for the no-confidence motion expires, he will vacate his current residence in Muraidhooge. The 14-day notice is set to expire on Sunday, next week.
Defending his position regarding the parliament's deadlock, Nasheed also addressed accusations that he was receiving salary and allowances despite not performing his duties.
Nasheed also alleged that certain members of the MDP parliamentary group were making derogatory comments about the party's President.
Reverting back to his decision to leave Muraidhooge, which is the assigned place of residence for the parliament Speaker, Nasheed said he was no longer wishes to reside there and expressed that he wished to live in his own home; Kenereege.
"I will be vacating Muraidhooge once the notice period for the no-confidence motion expires. Staying there is no longer something I desire," Nasheed said.
Nasheed was assigned to Muraidhooge following the assassination attempt made against him.
Following Nasheed's assassination attempt, the law was amended to assign an official place of residence not only to the President but also to the Parliament Speaker and the Chief Justice.