A tumultuous scene unfolded within the Maldives Parliament on Sunday, as lawmakers engaged in physical altercations, disrupting a specially convened session aimed at securing parliamentary endorsement for President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet ministers.
The clashes erupted between Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) — forming the ruling alliance — and counterparts from the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Viral footage circulating online, also disseminated by Adhadhu, a local digital news platform in the Maldives, depicted pandemonium engulfing the parliamentary chamber as MPs exchanged kicks and punches. These widely circulated videos captured instances of members grappling with each other, even resorting to pulling opponents down from the podium.
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Parliamentary proceedings descended into chaos as PPM/PNC MPs clashed with opposition MPs. pic.twitter.com/vhvfCBgQ1s — Adhadhu (@AdhadhuMV) January 28, 2024
According to reports by Adhadhu, Opposition MPs encountered resistance from their counterparts in the ruling coalition, who prevented their entry into the chambers. This confrontation transpired after the MDP, holding a majority in the Maldives Parliament, declined to endorse four nominees from the ruling faction seeking inclusion in Muizzu's cabinet.
The PNC and PPM issued a joint statement, decrying the MDP's refusal to sanction the four nominees as an act of impeding public service delivery. Additionally, they called for the resignation of the Speaker.
Chief advisor to President Muizzu and PNC chairperson, Abdul Raheem Abdullah, defended the reappointment of ministers without formal approval, deeming the opposition's stance as "reckless," as reported by Adhadhu.
Inside the parliamentary chamber, videos captured lawmakers grappling on the floor and engaging in hair-pulling, while one parliamentarian was observed blowing a trumpet-like instrument to disrupt the Speaker's address to the House.
Allegations surfaced from MDP MPs, accusing their counterparts of causing damage to parliamentary property amidst the tumultuous scuffle.
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