What instigated the clashes in the Maldives Parliament? What precipitated the disorder?
The altercation occurred during a special session called to obtain parliamentary endorsement for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet.
On Sunday, turmoil unfolded in the Maldives Parliament when government MPs affiliated with the pro-government parties People’s National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) disrupted proceedings and confronted the Speakers, as detailed by Adhahdhu, a digital news organization based in the Maldives.
The agenda for Sunday included a pivotal vote on obtaining parliamentary endorsement for the Muizzu administration.
According to Sun Online, the altercation erupted during a special session called to obtain parliamentary endorsement for the ministers serving in President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet.
What happened?
During a confrontation, a scuffle ensued between Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa, triggered when Shaheem stumbled and inadvertently collided with Easa.
The altercation led to injuries to Shaheem’s head as both lawmakers fell near the chamber. Minority leader Moosa Siraj intervened in an effort to cease the scuffle.
Shaheem was subsequently reported to have been taken to the hospital, according to available reports.
A circulating video on social media shows Members of Parliament gathered near the speaker’s chair, engaged in a physical altercation.
Why did the protests erupt?
According to local news outlets, protests erupted following the decision by the main Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and holding a majority in Parliament, to withhold approval for four cabinet members.
Protesters expressed concerns that the rejection of President Muizzu’s cabinet ministers could hinder progress and demanded the resignation of the Parliament’s speaker.
As reported by Adhadhu, the ruling coalition parties, PNC and PPP, released a statement portraying the rejection of ministers as a hindrance to public service delivery.
Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah defended the ministers’ right to be reappointed, even without authorization, criticizing the refusal to approve them as irresponsible.
In December, the parliament’s government oversight committee approved the cabinet, affirming that all members met constitutional requirements, according to Sun Online.
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