Maldives’ powerful Tourism Minister appointed Vice President

    The Maldives’ young but powerful Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb on Wednesday was sworn in as the  country’s new Vice President. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed in an event at the President's Office, according to new reports from Male. At 33 years, he is the youngest Vice President. Parliament had on Tuesday passed a no-confidence motion against Vice President Mohamed Jameel, and for the first time in history removed a Vice President from office, according to Haveeru newspaper. “78 MPs voted in favour of his removal, and only two members challenged it. There were no parliamentarians who abstained,” the paper said, adding: “The Vice President has been lobbying against allegations of incompetence and irresponsibility all the way from London after 61 MPs backed a no-confidence motion against him.” It said the motion received universal support across the parliament floor as both pro-government and opposition parties alike pushed for Jameel to be removed from office. Parliamentarians have criticised Jameel for his ‘lack of action contribution’ both during his tenure as Vice President and Home Minister. Political developments have been speedily unfolding in the Maldives ever since former President Mohamed Nasheed was jailed over charges of unlawful arrests during his tenure.