Maldives parliament erupts in chaos as lawmakers clash in key session

THE Maldives parliament witnessed unruly scenes on Sunday as key proceedings were disrupted when the ruling alliance clashed with opposition lawmakers.

The clash broke in a special session convened to seek parliamentary approval for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet, reported Sun Online.

Pro-government lawmakers of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) erupted in protest after the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which commands a majority in Parliament, opted to withhold approval for four members of president Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet, said the local news outlet.

In one such video, shared by news outlet Adhadhu, a physical altercation between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem can be seen. Video footage showed Shaheem gripping Isa's leg, leading to a fall, and Isa responding with kicks to Shaheem's neck and pulling his hair.

The incident resulted in injuries, with Shaheem being moved to an ambulance for medical attention.

Protesters said that not accepting the ministers of President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet could hinder progress and called for the resignation of the speaker of parliament.

The ruling coalition parties, PNC and PPP, released a statement framing the ministers' rejection as an obstacle to public service delivery, reported Adhadhu.

Chief advisor to Muizzu and PNC chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah defended the ministers' right to be reappointed, even without authorisation, and criticised the refusal to approve them as irresponsible.

The parliament's government oversight committee, in December, approved the cabinet, declaring that all members met the constitutional requirements, Sun Online reported.