MDP MPs Forced Out from Parliament Floor Amid Protests Over Election Merge Bill

Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) were forcibly removed from the parliamentary chamber today after protesting against a government bill proposing to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The protest erupted at the start of the session when MDP MPs expressed frustration over the speaking order. Hussain Ziad, MP for Vaikaradhoo, was denied the opportunity to address the House, while Ibrahim Falah, MP for Inguraidhoo, who presented the bill on behalf of the government, was given the chance to speak.

Ziad raised a point of order, arguing that he had initially requested the opportunity to speak, which was instead given to Falah. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah responded that Ziad had requested the chance but later cancelled it, a claim Ziad denied.

When the chair ordered the MPs to leave, Ziad and other MDP members refused, prompting the adjournment of the session. They were later removed from the floor by parliamentary security.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, MDP interim chairperson and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa criticised the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC), suggesting the bill was intended to extend the presidential term. Moosa cited the President’s previous speech outlining projects for 2030 as evidence that the government plans constitutional changes to lengthen the term.

Despite the protests, the bill passed with 72 votes in favour and one against. If enacted, it would reduce the term of the 20th Parliament by six months, with the mandate ending on 1 December 2028, and require all administrative arrangements for the new parliament to be completed before that date.

The government has indicated that the referendum to merge both elections will be held alongside local council elections scheduled for 4 April.