Government's Press Statement on Two Members' Disqualification from Parliament

The government accepts the disqualification of two members of the Parliament, as per the Supreme Court's ruling on 24th October.

The Maldives National Defense Force maintains security of the parliament premises in accordance with instructions from the Speaker of the Parliament. Following the disqualification of two parliament members, MNDF has requested the Speaker of Parliament for a letter granting the two members access to the Parliament grounds, if required.

The government believes that the two disqualified members no longer hold seats in the parliament. MNDF, as part of their duty, has prevented one of the disqualified members from entering the parliament building today. When this particular member assaulted the MNDF security officers, MNDF has now handed over custody of the member to Maldives Police Service.

Every Maldivian citizen must at all times obey the Constitution. In this regard, every citizen must respect the courts' rulings. The government will not tolerate any individual who challenges the courts' decisions.