Opposition MPs Absent from Parliament After Pledging to Address Fishermen’s Concerns

Several parliamentarians from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) were absent to parliament today, a day after announcing to work within parliament to resolve concerns of Addu fishers over delayed payments

The parliament session began with 61 members today with several MDP absentees including the Maradhoo MP Ahmed Didi and Kendhoo MP Maufoor Zakir.

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Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that two members were on leave and one on an official trip.

At the commencement of today’s session, Abdul Raheem opened the floor for an emergency motion submitted by MP Ahmed Didi, only to be notified of his absence.

MDP’s parliamentary group held a press conference yesterday following three days of protests by fishers at the Addu Fisheries Complex (AFC) over delayed payments for their catch.

Expressing deep concern over the government’s handling of the matter, they committed to use parliamentary channels to ensure accountability.

“We are in discussions to present an emergency motion, as well as submit a resolution and summon the fisheries minister. By the grace of God, we hope to begin addressing this at the start of tomorrow’s session,” stated Ibrahim Nazeel, leader of the MDP’s parliamentary group.

Protests by fishers in Addu began on Friday and intensified yesterday as demonstrators entered the factory and halted operations, demanding a solution over payments.

Despite this, today’s parliamentary proceedings continued as usual, briefly adjourning around noon. Ruling party MPs were engaged in debates concerning the Health Service Bill submitted by Henveiru South MP Hussain Imran Latheef.