The Parliamentary Group of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to launch a no-confidence motion against Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Shidhatha Shareef. The decision was made during a meeting held by the parliamentary group of MDP today, with endorsement from all 45 members present at the meeting.
While MDP is set to launch a no-confidence motion against Minister Shidhatha, several parliamentarians from the party have called for her resignation citing her failure in taking appropriate action against child sexual abuse. During the parliament sitting today, several members warned the gender minister that she will be removed through a no-confidence vote if she does not resign.
Article 101 of the Constitution of Maldives states a no-confidence motion can be submitted to the parliament against a minister with signatures from at least 10 parliamentarians. The minister must be notified of the motion 14 days before beginning deliberations on the motion at the parliament. The minister must also be provided the opportunity to respond to the motion both verbally and in writing before taking a vote on the motion.
The minister will be removed from the post if the no-confidence motion gets votes from the majority of the parliament.