Political Turmoil in the Maldives: Opposition Party Readies Impeachment Motion Against President Muizzu

Defense News ,Maldives :- In a recent development, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition party in the Maldives, with a parliamentary majority, has collected enough signatures to file a motion for the impeachment of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, as reported by local media outlet The Sun on Monday.

Quoting an MDP lawmaker, The Sun stated that the MDP, in collaboration with the Democrats, has garnered support from 34 members, including representatives from both parties, for the impeachment motion. The motion faced disruption in the Maldivian parliament due to chaos, as reported by Adhahdhu, an online news portal in the Maldives.

According to The Sun, the MDP has decided to withhold approval for Home Minister Ali Ihusan and Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon if disruptions by government lawmakers persist in the parliament.

Following a skirmish among political leaders inside the Maldivian Parliament, heightened police presence has been established to secure the parliament ahead of the upcoming session, reported Adhahdhu.

The incident on Sunday involved violence when government MPs from the PPM/PNC party disrupted parliamentary proceedings and clashed with speakers. A crucial vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government was scheduled on that day.

Social media circulated dramatic visuals from Male, depicting a physical altercation between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem. The videos showed various confrontations, including Shaheem gripping Isa's leg, the two falling together, and Isa kicking Shaheem's neck and pulling his hair. One parliament member was reportedly taken to an ambulance after sustaining injuries.

The disruption led to a barricade by several PNC members, claiming that approving the ministers would hinder progress and demanding the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament.

In response, the ruling coalition parties, the PNC and the PPP, released a statement portraying the ministers' rejection as an obstacle to public service delivery, according to Adhadhu. However, Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdullah criticized the refusal to approve the ministers as irresponsible.

The article also highlighted recent opposition against the current regime in the Maldives, particularly concerning a perceived shift in foreign policy deemed 'extremely detrimental' to the country's long-term development. The MDP and Democrats jointly issued a press statement emphasizing the need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability to collaborate with all development partners, including long-standing allies such as India, for the benefit of the Maldivian people.