MDP MPs removed from chamber during protest on constitutional bill
The sitting resumed about 15 minutes later after the members had been dismissed from the chamber.
Opposition members from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protested in Parliament on Tuesday against the government’s proposed constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date, leading to the suspension of the sitting for about 15 minutes.
The disruption followed the tabling of the report of the Independent Institutions Committee, which on Monday approved the Constitution Amendment Bill without changes. MDP members began protesting immediately after the report was presented.
The sitting was adjourned after the Speaker announced the names of four MDP members and ordered their removal from the chamber. The members named were Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, and Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad.
Abdul Raheem Abdullah first announced the name of Mauroof Zakir, who objected to the process surrounding the amendment and accused the legislature of acting on the direction of President Mohamed Muizzu.
In response, the Speaker said Parliament has the authority under the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure to amend the Constitution and enact laws. He said decisions before Parliament are determined by the House and not by the President.
Mauroof Zakir continued protesting after the Speaker’s remarks, following which his name was announced again and he was removed from the chamber by parliamentary staff. The Speaker then announced the names of the remaining three members and adjourned the sitting until they were removed.
The sitting resumed about 15 minutes later after the members had been dismissed from the chamber.
