MPs barred entry as Maldives parliament shortens term

Ten MPs deemed to have lost their seats were blocked by police officers from entering parliament Wednesday as soldiers manned the gates.

Roads surrounding parliament were cordoned off with barricades set up hours before the 1 pm sitting. The lawmakers held up their official passes and demanded a legal justification but police officers refused to let them pass.

The MPs announced they would attend sittings after the Supreme Court declared last week that separate rulings are needed to decide whether they have lost their seats.

As the apex court is the constitutional authority on settling disputes concerning “the removal, or vacating of seats, of a member of the People’s Majlis,” the lawmakers say they remain members until final judgments are issued.