Brawl at the Parliament Delays Cabinet Approval Vote
Pro-government lawmakers stirred up a protest today following the decision by the MDP, which commands a majority in Parliament, to withhold approval for four members of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet.
The parliamentary chambers witnessed vocal objections as well as physical altercations from lawmakers aligned with the ruling PPM-PNC coalition, while outside the Parliament building, a gathering of pro-government supporters added to the commotion.
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Scheduled to vote on the 22-member new cabinet at 01:30 pm, the Parliament encountered a delay as the MDP parliamentary group convened for a meeting just prior to the vote. During this session, a three-line red whip was issued, indicating a decision to withhold support for four government ministers:
Ahmed Usham, attorney general
Mohamed Saeed, economic minister
Dr. Ali Haidar, housing minister
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Islamic minister
North Thinadhoo MP Abdul Mughnee proposed the whip.
In a separate stance, the Democrats, who recently announced an alliance with MDP, disclosed their intent not to approve three ministers. However, they opted to withhold support for Moosa Zameer, the foreign minister, instead of Shaheem.
Presently, the Parliament comprises:
MDP: 43 MPs
Democrats: 13 MPs
Together, these parties command 56 out of 87 MPs in Parliament. Consequently, the ministers disapproved by the parties are unlikely to receive approval.
The Parliament’s Government Oversight Committee, in December, endorsed the cabinet, affirming that all members met constitutional requirements.
Earlier on Sunday, the ruling PPM-PNC released a statement expressing concern that the denial of approval to cabinet ministers could hinder government operations and disrupt public services.
President Muizzu formally requested cabinet approval on November 20, two days after assuming office. Originally scheduled for December 18, the Parliament postponed the cabinet vote, sending the committee report back for review. The committee reconvened during recess on December 30, ultimately approving the cabinet.
