Under article 254 of the constitution, a state of emergency “may include the temporary suspension of the operation of laws and infringement of certain fundamental rights and freedoms.” The constitutionally mandated 14-day notice before voting on a motion to impeach the president or vice president has also been shortened to seven days.The ruling party had submitted a motion to impeach Vice President Ahmed Adeeb on October 28.He is under arrest on suspicion of links to an explosion on the president’s speedboat on September 28. The government says a bomb targeting the president caused the explosion. (Courtesy Maldives Independent) The declaration comes two days ahead of a mass protest planned by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).The 2013 Freedom of Assembly Act has been suspended. The security forces have uncovered plots to use dangerous weapons, Anil said. The Maldivian government has declared a state of emergency for 30 days effective 12:00pm today, citing threats to national security and public safety.Announcing the unprecedented move, Attorney General Mohamed Anil said President Abdulla Yameen has issued an executive decree based on advice from the national security council following the recent discovery of firearms and explosives.