President Mohamed Muizzu faces the possibility of impeachment as the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition, has gathered enough signatures for a no-confidence motion. The motion, aimed at the pro-China President, is set to be presented in parliament soon.
Anti-Indian Maldives President Muizzu to face impeachment motion in Parliament
This follows a chaotic incident in the Maldivian Parliament, where lawmakers engaged in a physical altercation during a special session seeking approval for Muizzu’s cabinet ministers. Members of the ruling alliance, consisting of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), clashed with the MDP.
A video circulating on social media captured the MPs near the speaker’s chair involved in a physical fight. Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa clashed, resulting in Shaheem sustaining head injuries as they fell near the chamber.
Anti-Indian Maldives President Muizzu to face impeachment motion in Parliament
The impeachment motion serves as an accusation against an individual, requiring a majority vote to initiate a trial. Conviction for a minor offense necessitates a majority vote, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a major offense. A majority vote is sufficient for a censure or reprimand, whereas suspension or expulsion demands a two-thirds majority.
Photo Credit: slideplayer
The parliamentary chaos unfolded after the MDP chose not to grant approval for four members of Muizzu’s cabinet, prompting a protest by pro-government MPs that escalated into violence.
At the same time, the ruling PPM-PNC coalition has submitted no-confidence motions against Parliament’s Speaker, Mohamed Aslam, and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, according to a report from Sun.mv news website.
The ruling coalition contends that withholding parliamentary approval for the cabinet would hinder the government’s ability to provide services to citizens.