Maldives in Turmoil: Opposition Stalls Muizzu’s Cabinet Approval

In a tense political development in the Maldives, the main opposition parties, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, have strategically blocked the approval of four key cabinet members nominated by President Mohamed Muizzu. The move has sparked a standoff in the Maldivian Parliament, raising concerns about the government’s functionality.

The Maldivian Parliament, scheduled to vote on a 22-member cabinet on Sunday at 1 pm, witnessed an unexpected twist as the MDP, during a parliamentary group meeting, issued a three-line red whip to withhold approval for four crucial cabinet members. Videos circulating on the internet also showed opposition MPs being prevented from entering the Parliament floor ahead of the vote.

Adding to the complexity, The Democrats, in alliance with the MDP, decided not to approve three ministers and opted to withhold support for Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. With a combined total of 56 out of 87 MPs, these opposition parties hold significant sway, making approval for the blacklisted ministers seemingly unlikely.

The Government Oversight Committee had previously greenlit the cabinet in December, ensuring that all members met constitutional requirements. However, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition expressed concerns, characterizing the denial of approval as a deliberate attempt to impede the government’s functioning.

This political deadlock follows the recent expression of grave concerns by the two main opposition parties regarding the government’s perceived anti-India stance. The MDP and The Democrats emphasized that alienating any development partner, especially the country’s longstanding ally, India, would be “extremely detrimental” to the Maldives’ long-term development.

President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, was elected in November after campaigning against India. The heightened tensions come just days after Muizzu’s visit to Beijing to strengthen bilateral ties with China. The evolving situation raises questions about the geopolitical dynamics in the region and the potential implications for the Maldives’ diplomatic relationships.