Maldives Parliament turns into a three ring circus on Sunday when MPs clash with each other before a key vote for President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet. The pictures and videos are getting viral on social media in which a brutal fight between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem is shown.
Another video footage showed Shaheem gripping Isa’s leg, leading to a fall following which Isa kicked to Shaheem’s neck pulling his hair. The media reports suggested that a few MPs got injured in the physical altercation in the House and an ambulance was called for them.
The incident resulted in injuries, with Shaheem being moved to an ambulance for medical attention.
In another video, the MP is seen blowing a horn into the speaker’s ear, who tries to block the noise by putting his hands to his ear.
In the clashes Maldives Parliament turns into a three ring circus, it occurred between MPs of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) the ruling alliance and the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Pro-government lawmakers of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) erupted in protest after the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, which commands a majority in Parliament, opted to withhold approval for four members of President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet.
Maldives Parliament turns into a three ring circus
Chief advisor to Muizzu and PNC chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah defended the ministers’ right to be reappointed, even without authorisation, and criticised the refusal to approve them as irresponsible.
Protesters said that not accepting the ministers of President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet could hinder progress and called for the resignation of the speaker of parliament.
Watch: Maldives Parliament witnesses physical altercation after Government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disrupt proceeding over Parliament & Speakers’ functioning. Key vote was to take place today over Parliamentary approval for the Muizzu cabinet.
Exclusive video from inside: pic.twitter.com/FwWj80uuyL
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 28, 2024
The ruling coalition parties, PNC and PPP, released a statement framing the ministers’ rejection as an obstacle to public service delivery.
Consequently, men in suits and ties pounce at one another like madmen. They punch, kick, push and jostle. Several ruling party members barricaded the House and disrupted the session, then the Maldives Parliament turns into a three ring circus.
Maldives MPs protest outside the Parliament now.pic.twitter.com/OFD5gjfAZ3
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 28, 2024
Some MDP MPs accused the other parliamentarians of damaging property in the House during the scuffle.
All about Maldives Parliament
The Maldives Parliament, known as the People’s Majlis, operates as a unicameral legislative body. The People’s Majlis is composed of a single chamber. Members of the parliament are elected by the citizens of the Maldives through a general election. Members of the People’s Majlis are elected for a five-year term. The electoral system in the Maldives typically involves a mix of single-member constituencies and at-large seats.
The primary functions of the People’s Majlis include making and passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the actions of the government.
Members of the parliament participate in debates, discussions, and committee work to address various issues facing the country.
The People’s Majlis has various committees that focus on specific areas such as finance, foreign relations, health, and education. These committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation, conducting inquiries, and providing recommendation.
More dramatic visuals from Maldives Parliament. Members of the ruling party are attempting to prevent the speaker from continuing the parliamentary session amid vote on the approval of Muizzu’s Cabinet.pic.twitter.com/jBY5FmoOFT https://t.co/PHxt4CiOuS
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 28, 2024
The parliament holds the government accountable through questioning, debates, and inquiries. Members of the parliament have the authority to question government officials, including the president and cabinet ministers, on various matters.
Legislation is introduced in the form of bills, which go through a process of review and approval in parliamentary committees.
Bills that receive committee approval are then debated and voted on by the entire parliament.
If a bill is approved by a majority vote, it becomes law.
The People’s Majlis is responsible for approving the national budget proposed by the government.
This process involves detailed examination and discussion of budgetary allocations for various government departments and programs.