The political landscape in the Maldives is experiencing a tumultuous period, with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) reportedly planning to submit a motion to impeach the pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. The ruling coalition, comprised of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), has vehemently opposed any such attempts, declaring that they would resist at all costs. Tensions escalated recently, leading to clashes in Parliament over the approval of four members of President Muizzu’s cabinet.
Background of Political Turmoil in Maldives
President Muizzu, aged 45, secured victory in the presidential runoff held in September of the previous year, defeating the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Since assuming office on November 17, tensions have risen, and a recent request to India to withdraw 88 military personnel from the Maldives by March 15 has added fuel to the fire. The Maldives Parliament, consisting of 87 members, has undergone recent amendments to facilitate the submission of an impeachment motion, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic political showdown.
Impeachment Motion and Coalition Opposition
The main opposition, MDP, reportedly plans to submit an impeachment motion against President Muizzu. The parliamentary majority held by MDP and their breakaway party, The Democrats, gives them the necessary leverage to initiate such a move. However, the ruling coalition, PPM and PNC, has adamantly declared that they will not allow any efforts to proceed through Parliament. In a press conference, PPM Parliamentary Group leader Ahmed Saleem stated, “They will have to kill us all first before they can even think of removing the President from office.”
Recent Clashes in Parliament
The impeachment threat gained momentum after clashes erupted in Parliament between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers. The disagreement centered around the approval of four members of President Muizzu’s cabinet. The MDP and The Democrats decided to withhold parliamentary approval, prompting pro-government MPs to initiate a protest, disrupting the parliamentary sitting. This turmoil underscores the deep-seated divisions within the Maldivian political landscape.
Parliamentary Dynamics and Cabinet Approval
The Maldivian Parliament, with 87 members, recently amended its standing orders to streamline the impeachment process. The MDP and Democrats, together, hold 56 MPs, providing a potential majority for an impeachment motion. However, PPM and PNC argue that the required minimum of 53 votes cannot be reached even by combining the members of the MDP and The Democrats. They believe that there are dissenting voices within both parties that may refuse to cooperate with such a vote.
President Muizzu’s Request to India
President Muizzu’s decision to formally request India to withdraw 88 military personnel by March 15 has added a diplomatic dimension to the domestic political unrest. The request was framed as a mandate given by the Maldivian people, emphasizing a shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. This move has raised eyebrows and contributed to the ongoing political tensions within the country.
Parliamentary Rejections and Cabinet Reshuffling
In the aftermath of the clashes, Maldivian MPs voted against the appointment of three cabinet members, including ministers for Islamic affairs and housing, and the attorney-general. Ruling party legislators attempted to block the opposition’s vote on the new 22-member cabinet appointed by President Muizzu. Chaotic scenes unfolded in the parliamentary chamber, with videos circulating on social media depicting physical altercations among lawmakers.
The Opposition’s Strategy and President Muizzu’s Response
The MDP, in partnership with The Democrats, claims to have gathered enough signatures for an impeachment motion. Despite the opposition’s determination, members like MP Ahmed Thoriq argue that the results of the last presidential election reveal a misalignment between the events in the country and the wishes of the MDP. Thoriq contends that the MDP’s efforts to remove President Muizzu are futile, citing instances where party members voted against the party’s whip line during crucial votes.
Future Implications and Elections
As tensions escalate and political manoeuvring continues, the Maldives Parliamentary elections are scheduled for mid-March. The outcome of these elections could reshape the political landscape, determining whether President Muizzu can withstand the impeachment threat and whether the ruling coalition can maintain its influence in Parliament.
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