MDP Power Move: Impeachment Motion Gains Momentum with Democrats' Support, Reveals MDP MP.
In a recent development, an Member of Parliament (MP) from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) informed Sun.mv on Monday afternoon that the MDP, in collaboration with the Democrats, has successfully gathered sufficient signatures to initiate an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The Maldivian Democratic Party, as the primary opposition force in the Maldives, currently holds a majority in the Parliament and is poised to present an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu, as reported by local media on Monday.
On Monday afternoon, an MDP MP revealed to Sun.mv that the MDP, along with Democrats, has amassed the required signatures to proceed with the impeachment motion. However, the formal submission to the Parliament is still pending at this stage.
This development transpires a day after the Maldives Parliament witnessed a violent episode, marked by disruptions and confrontations between government MPs belonging to the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), both pro-government parties.
According to the Maldives-based news portal Adhahdhu, a total of 34 members, representing both the MDP and Democrats, have expressed their support for the impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu.
The altercation unfolded during a special parliamentary session convened to seek approval for President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet ministers, including the attorney general Ahmed Usham, economic minister Mohamed Saeed, housing minister Dr. Ali Haidar, and Islamic minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
Recent amendments to the Maldives Parliament's standing orders, reported by Sun.mv, have streamlined the process for MPs to submit an impeachment motion. The combined strength of the MDP and Democrats in the Parliament stands at 56 MPs, comprising 43 from the MDP and 13 from the Democrats.
As stipulated by the Maldives' Constitution and Parliament standing orders, a president can be impeached with a minimum of 56 votes. Notably, these developments follow a no-confidence motion submitted on Sunday by the PNC and PPM against Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, both affiliated with the MDP. A total of 23 lawmakers endorsed these motions.
Sunday's parliamentary session also witnessed a physical altercation between Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa. The scuffle ensued when the former stumbled, accidentally colliding with Easa, resulting in injuries to Shaheem's head. Minority leader Moosa Siraj intervened to halt the confrontation, and Shaheem was reportedly taken to the hospital, according to available reports.
