The Maldivian parliament on Tuesday approved extending the state of emergency by 30 days following a request by President Abdulla Yameen, according to a newly released government statement.

File photo: Abdulla Yameen takes his oath as the President of Maldives during a swearing-in ceremony at the parliament. Reuters photo

The crucial vote was held in the parliament on Tuesday evening in the 85-member chamber.
The extension request was made considering "the present threat to national security and a constitutional crisis posed by the events leading up to and following the ruling issued by the Supreme Court on 1 February 2018," according to the government statement issued on Tuesday.
The Maldivian president declared a 15-day state of emergency on Feb. 5, after the surprise Supreme Court ruling led to the release of detained opposition leaders, including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.
The Supreme Court ruling was rescinded shortly after the declaration of the state of emergency.
(With input from Xinhua)