The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the primary opposition party in the Maldives, has amassed adequate signatures to introduce an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu. This move marks a significant challenge to the leadership of the pro-China President, with the impeachment process expected to commence in the parliament shortly.

Tensions escalated in the Maldivian Parliament recently, as lawmakers engaged in physical altercations during a special session convened to secure parliamentary approval for Muizzu’s cabinet ministers. Members of Parliament from the ruling alliance, comprising the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), clashed with MDP representatives.

A video circulating on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing MPs near the speaker’s chair involved in a physical confrontation. The altercation between Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa resulted in injuries to Shaheem’s head when the two lawmakers fell near the chamber.

The violence erupted after the MDP decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of Muizzu’s cabinet, prompting pro-government MPs to initiate protests, leading to disorder in Parliament.

In response, the ruling PPM-PNC coalition has filed no-confidence motions against Parliament’s Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, citing concerns that denying parliamentary approval to the cabinet members could obstruct government services to citizens.

By : Kruthiga VS