While opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has filed a no confidence motion against President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, more questions than answers cloud the minds of the general public on what the decision of the Parliament would be. Opponents of secret votes in no confidence motions have labeled the move as a betrayal to the people. The reason being each and every member must be accountable to the people of their respective constituency. “I have always pressed not to take secret votes in Parliament. There are people we have to be answerable to. I accept that. It is how I believe it should be,” pro-government Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader and Kendhoo constituency MP Ahmed Thasmeen Ali said. Kulhudhuhfushi-south constituency MP Mohamed Nasheed believes that there is no reason to take secret votes in no confidence motions by the Parliament. He pledged to work against the vote scheduled for tomorrow. Parliament’s General Committee had earlier passed to take secret votes in Parliament after it was submitted by MDP MPs. The Committee’s decision came after the no confidence motion against President Waheed and Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed had been filed at the Parliament. However, MDP had suddenly withdrawn the motion against Home Minister Jameel after it had been tabled for last Monday’s agenda. Pro-government Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Vice President and Vilufushi constituency MP Riyaz Rasheed insisted that the votes cast by each MP during no confidence motions must be known. Otherwise, MPs have the opportunity to speak out contrary to the side their vote was cast, Riyaz said. “Each member who votes in favor of secret votes tomorrow would be voting to impeach President Waheed,” Riyaz stressed. Meanwhile MDP has already issued a “three line whip” on secret votes for tomorrow, which means all MPs representing the party must vote in favor. “The only way to save this country is to remove Dr Waheed from office. MDP believes that the only way to do that is to take secret votes,” Thoddoo constituency MP Ali Waheed detailed. “Even now Dr Waheed is threatening parties, members and businessmen.” However, MDP MPs have come under fire from Nasheed. In his personal blog, Nasheed revealed that there was talk of including secret votes in the currently implemented Rules of Procedure. But the then ruling MDP had opposed the move and it was finally decided to go for open votes, Nasheed explained. Some people believe that there are two sides to the argument on taking secret votes. Hence they refused to speak out publicly on the matter. According to Thasmeen, MPs face heat when they vote in favor of no-confidence motions. To that end, he said such circumstances could undermine the relationship between MPs. Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and DRP are yet to decide on a course of action over tomorrow’s vote.