India 'deeply dismayed' as Maldives extends emergency for 30 days

The Maldives' Parliament on Tuesday extended the state of emergency by approving President Yameen's recommendation. Only 38 MPs were present for the vote, which took place hours before the state of em

By Chennabasaveshwar

Updated: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 10:17 [IST]

After the Maldives extended the state of emergency for further 30 days, India expressed its disappointment in the official statement issued on Wednesday. India minced no words to say that the decision is in contravention of Constitution of Maldives. The United States and Wall Street Journal expressed disappoint over the extension of emergency in the Maldives.

Maldivian opposition protestors shout slogans demanding the release of political prisoners during a protest in Male, Maldives, Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. PTI file photo

Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern."

"The consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in the Maldives," Stated MEA.

"It is important to ensure that all democratic institutions are allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution."

The Maldives' Parliament on Tuesday extended the state of emergency by approving President Yameen's recommendation. 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.

All 38 were from the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives. The opposition boycotted the vote. The state of emergency will now end on March 22.

The United States and Wall Street Journal expressed disappoint over the extension of emergency in the Maldives. The Wall Street Journal in an editorial expressed concern over China's increasing influence in Male.

(With agency inputs)