OPPOSITIONS TO IMPEACH MALDIVES PRESIDENT

Calling India, the “most long-standing ally,” the two main opposition parties in the Maldives on Wednesday expressed concern about the government. The joint endorsement from the Maldivian  Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats was declared one day following the Maldives government’s announcement that a Chinese research and survey vessel, authorized by the Male  government, would be docking at a Maldivian port for replenishment.

This approval is granted amid tense relations between India and the Maldives, triggered by President Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to make Beijing his inaugural port of call shortly after assuming  office earlier this month. Historically, New Delhi has been the customary first port of call for a Maldivian President.

Opposition parties in the Maldives assert they have garnered sufficient signatures for the impeachment of Mohamed Muizzu, while the government takes legal action, contending a crucial  amendment is illegal. The Maldivian Attorney General’s office has filed a case with the Supreme Court challenging a recent modification to the parliament’s standing orders, enabling opposition  lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president. Attorney General Ahmed Usham confirmed the

case registration in a statement to the local news outlet Sun Online on Sunday, although the Supreme Court has yet to acknowledge it. Conversely, a member of the opposition party Maldivian  Democratic Party (MDP) stated on Monday that the party has amassed enough signatures for an impeachment motion, but it has not yet been submitted.

Securing 54 percent of the vote, Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency in the Maldives. However, as the ruling coalition lacks a parliamentary majority, Muizzu faces a tangible risk of being ousted. The impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority from the 80-seat House for its approval.

The Maldivian Parliament comprises 80 members, with the MDP holding 45 seats and the Democrats (DEM) having 13 members. Within the ruling coalition of PPM-PNC, the Progressive Party of the Maldives has 2 members, while the People’s National Congress has 13. In addition, there are three independents, and the Jumhooree Party and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) each  have two members.

Last week, the MDP and the opposition Democrats announced an alliance to collectively “hold the government accountable” in Parliament.

Together, they command 56 MPs, with 43 from the MDP and 13 from the Democrats, providing them with the authority to initiate the impeachment process against President Muizzu if they choose to do so.

Earlier on Sunday, the Maldives Parliament witnessed violence as government MPs from the PPM/PNC party clashed with the opposition during a key vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu
government.

The MDP, holding the highest number of members in parliament, denied approval to Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed, Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham. However, economic minister Mohamed Saeed narrowly secured approval.

However, by evening, President Muizzu reinstated all the ministers by the evening, overturning the parliament’s decision.

Chief advisor to Muizzu and PNC chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah argued that the ministers have the right to be reappointed even without parliamentary authorization. He criticized the refusal  to approve the ministers as irresponsible. Collectively, they wield the support of 56 Members of Parliament, with 43 from the MDP and 13 from the Democrats, granting them the authority to initiate
the impeachment process against President Muizzu if they opt to do so.

Earlier on January 28, 2024, the Maldives Parliament experienced turmoil as government MPs from the PPM/PNC party clashed with the opposition during a crucial vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government. The MDP, holding the highest number of members in parliament, rejected approval for Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed, Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham. However, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed narrowly secured approval.

However, by evening, President Muizzu reinstated all the ministers, overturning the parliament’s decision. Chief advisor to Muizzu and PNC  chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah argued that the  ministers have the right to be reappointed even without parliamentary authorization, criticizing the refusal to approve the ministers as irresponsible.