The no-confidence motion seeking the removal of Deputy Speaker and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has been scheduled for debate and voting during a parliamentary sitting on Sunday.

The Parliament has informed members that Sunday’s sitting will focus solely on the motion to remove Nazim. Members have also been notified of the time allocated for the debate.

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a majority in the Parliament, approved the move during a parliamentary group meeting held on 13 May.

The PNC parliamentary group decided to seek Nazim’s removal after stating that it no longer had confidence in him. Following the decision, a motion signed by 73 MPs was submitted to the Majlis on 14 May seeking his dismissal from the post.

The Parliament’s General Committee met last week to determine how the motion would proceed. The committee allocated one hour for the matter, including 50 minutes for debate by members and 10 minutes for Nazim to respond.

Parliament standing orders state that a sitting to decide on the removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker must be held on the first official sitting day after the expiry of a 14-day notice period.

The 14-day notice period given to Nazim expires tomorrow, making Sunday the first official sitting day after the deadline.

Under Parliament regulations, the removal of the Deputy Speaker requires a majority vote from MPs present at the sitting convened to deliberate on the motion.