MALE, Maldives — The Supreme Court of the Maldives delayed its order Sunday reinstating 12 pro-opposition lawmakers ahead of a key parliamentary sitting, the latest political turmoil to roil the island nation. President Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s ruling party may have lost a majority in the 85-member parliament if the 12 lawmakers were to be allowed to participate Monday. The Maldives has faced upheaval since Feb. 1, when the Supreme Court ordered the release of Yameen’s imprisoned political opponents and the reinstatement of 12 lawmakers sacked after they sided with the opposition. After days of conflict with the judiciary, Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency and had the country’s chief justice and another Supreme Court judge arrested on bribery allegations. After the arrest of their colleagues, the remaining three judges of the Supreme Court annulled their ruling for the release of Yameen’s opponents.

Source: National Post February 18, 2018 19:53 UTC