Maldivian president seeks extension of state of emergency by 30 days

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen on Monday requested the parliament to extend the state of emergency by 30 more days as the threat to national security has not diminished, his office said in a statement.

Yameen said the National Security Council had advised for the extension of the state of emergency as the constitutional crisis brewing in the country has also not been resolved.

If the request is approved, the state of emergency which was announced on Feb. 5 for 15 days, will be in effect till March.

The parliament convened for a special session to discuss the president's request earlier Monday.

Thirty nine legislators out of the 85 parliament members were present and decided to submit the issue to the parliament's National Security Committee for further deliberation.

The parliament's National Security Committee, after consulting its members, approved the extension and a final vote on the extension is likely to take place by legislators in parliament on Tuesday.

The Maldivian president declared a 15-day state of emergency on Feb. 5, after a surprise Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The Supreme Court ruling was, however, rescinded shortly after the announcement of the state of emergency.