Parliament on Wednesday endorsed the government’s decision to leave the Commonwealth.
39 of the 58 lawmakers present at the sitting voted to approve the decision. 18 lawmakers voted against it, while 3 members abstained.
The vote followed a request by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom last year, seeking Parliament’s opinion on leaving the organisation.
Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim earlier said the decision was made as the Commonwealth failed to recognise progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions.
He said the Commonwealth had decided to take punitive action against the Maldives, which the Government called “unjustified”.
The Government also said the Commonwealth was treating the Maldives unfairly and that the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) had sought to become an active participant in the domestic political discourse in Maldives, which was contrary to the principles of the Charters of the UN and the Commonwealth.