The clashes erupted due to differences between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers regarding the approval of four cabinet members appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China stance. The main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), decided to withhold parliamentary approval for these cabinet members, prompting pro-government MPs to stage a protest and disrupt the parliamentary session.
During the altercation, Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa were involved in a scuffle, resulting in injuries to Shaheem’s head. Minority leader Moosa Siraj attempted to intervene, but the clash persisted. Shaheem was subsequently taken to the hospital.
The opposition’s decision to withhold approval for the cabinet members led to further disruptions, with members of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives and the People’s National Congress coalition entering the Speaker’s chambers. A video showed MPs physically engaging near the speaker’s chair.
Mathiveri Member of Parliament Hassan Zareer also sustained injuries on his finger during the altercation. The opposition’s refusal to vote for certain cabinet members prompted protests by pro-government supporters outside the parliament, demanding the approval of the ministers.
The MDP, holding a majority in parliament, specifically refused to vote for Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
In response to the deadlock, the ruling PPM-PNC coalition filed no-confidence motions against the Parliament’s Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, accusing Speaker Aslam of favoring a certain party’s interests. This move came as a consequence of the stalled cabinet approval process.
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office on November 17 the previous year, citing a “strong mandate” from the Maldivian people.
