Maldivian President President Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday reappointed all 13 ministers of the Cabinet who had resigned in June, in a bid to end the political crisis in the country. The 13 ministers had resigned enmasse on June 29 citing attempts by some members of the People’s Majlis to usurp the powers of the executive.
They also alleged that attempts were made to block government legislation in Parliament and initiate no-confidence motions against ministers on spurious grounds.
While resigning the ministers called on the President to investigate why certain MPs were working against the government, citing allegations of bribery and corruption within the Majlis. On June 29, Maldives Police Service arrested two Parliamentarians, Abdulla Yameen, leader of the People’s Association party and former President Gayoom’s half brother, and Gasim Ibrahim, head of the Jumhooree Party. They were arrested on suspicion of bribing fellow parliamentarians to vote against the government. The two MPs are currently being held under house arrest in accordance with a judicial warrant, the Maldives President’s Office said here. Speaking at a press conference held shortly after presenting the ministers with their letters of appointment, President Nasheed said his government would “work towards fulfilling its pledges to the Maldivian people.”
The President noted that the government has investigated the reasons why Cabinet members felt they had to resign and the police have taken appropriate action. Mr Nasheed reiterated that only a small number of MPs are implicated in alleged corruption.
“The reputation of the People’s Majlis should not be tarnished because of corruption allegations against a few Parliamentarians,” Mr Nasheed said. The President also confirmed that he has held talks with Thasmeen Ali MP, leader of the main Opposition party, the Dhievhi Rayyithunge Party, in order to amicably resolve the current political situation.