In what may be a blow to the new Maldivian government, the country’s parliament on Monday opted to hold a secret ballot on the motion of no-confidence against President Mohamed Waheed, sources said.

The 75-member parliament voted 41 to 34 in favour of a secret vote for a no-confidence motion brought by the main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Analysts said the decision to have a secret ballot was a blow to Waheed’s government which has been in office since the MDP President Nasheed was ousted on February 7 this year.

The MDP has submitted a resolution calling for the removal of Waheed and claim confidence of obtaining the required numbers.

The Speaker of Majlis will fix the date for the motion to be taken up.

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