Maldives ignores Delhi request, extends emergency

New Delhi, February 20 

The political turmoil in Maldives continues as its parliament or Majlis gave a go ahead to extension of emergency for another 30 days. 

Only 38 MPs were present for the vote, which took place hours before the state of emergency was due to expire, despite 43 lawmakers being needed for the vote to take place as required by the Constitution, Maldives Independent news website reported.

This after the parliamentary committee on national security approved of President Yameen’s request for the same Monday evening, citing ‘present threat to national security and constitutional crisis.’ Emergency was imposed on February 5 for a fortnight. 

This even as India sought return to normalcy in the neighbouring country. The MEA in its statement issued ahead of the vote said: “It is our expectation that the Government of Maldives will not be seeking extension of the State of Emergency so that the political process in Maldives can resume with immediate effect.”

India had also sought the implementation of the SC’s February 1 order “in letter and spirit” that sought release of all political prisoners. — TNS