Chaos in Maldives Parliament: Pro-Government, Opposition MPs Clash Over Cabinet Approval

The Maldives Parliament witnessed intense clashes between pro-government and opposition MPs over the approval of President Mohamed Muizzus cabinet members. The main opposition partys decision to withhold approval sparked protests and disruptions, leading to a chaotic parliamentary session.

Political tensions escalated in the Maldives Parliament on Sunday, January 28, as pro-government and opposition lawmakers engaged in physical altercations over the approval of four cabinet members proposed by President Mohamed Muizzus pro-China administration. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of President Muizzus cabinet, triggering protests and disruptions from pro-government MPs.

Altercation Ensues During Parliamentary Session

During the heated parliamentary session, an altercation broke out between Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa. Shaheem reportedly tripped and knocked down Easa, resulting in injuries to both parliamentarians. Minority leader Moosa Siraj intervened to defuse the situation, and Shaheem was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.

Ruling Party Disrupts Parliament Proceedings

The decision by the opposition MDP and The Democrats parliamentary group to withhold approval for certain cabinet members prompted the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Peoples National Congress (PNC) coalition parliamentarians to disrupt parliament proceedings. They entered the chambers of the Speaker, leading to further chaos and physical confrontations.

Viral Video Captures Parliamentarians in Scuffle

A video circulating on social media shows MPs gathered near the speaker’s chair, engaged in a physical altercation. The tense situation resulted in injuries to Mathiveri Member of Parliament Hassan Zareer, who sustained a serious finger injury during the scuffle.

Protests Outside Parliament

As the voting process was halted, pro-government supporters and officials gathered outside the parliament to protest and demand the approval of the cabinet ministers. The MDP, which holds a majority in parliament, has decided not to approve Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.

Ruling Coalition Files No-Confidence Motions

In response to the stalled cabinet approval, the ruling PPM-PNC coalition has filed no-confidence motions against Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem. The coalition accuses Speaker Aslam of misusing his official capacity to favor certain party interests.

Muizzus Pro-China Stance and Request to India

President Muizzu, who assumed office on November 17, 2023, is known for his pro-China stance. Soon after taking oath, he formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, citing a strong mandate from the Maldivian people. This request has added to the tensions between the two countries.

The political turmoil in the Maldives Parliament highlights the deep divisions within the country’s political landscape. The clashes and disruptions underscore the challenges facing President Muizzus administration as it seeks to gain parliamentary approval for its cabinet members and navigate complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.