Impeachment Threatens Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu as Ruling Coalition Asserts ‘Kill Us All First’

Reports indicate that the Maldives main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), is contemplating submitting a motion for the impeachment of President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance. This development has raised tensions between the MDP, which holds a majority in Parliament, and the ruling coalition comprising the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC). The ruling coalition, asserting its support for President Muizzu, vehemently stated that they would not allow any parliamentary proceedings aimed at removing the President from office.

In a press conference held on Monday, Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem), the leader of the PPM Parliamentary Group, declared the coalition’s firm stance against the MDP’s efforts. Saleem emphasized that they would resist any attempts by the MDP to proceed with the impeachment motion, stating, “They will have to kill us all first before they can even think of removing the President from office.”

The latest developments come on the heels of clashes in Parliament on Sunday, where pro-government MPs clashed with opposition lawmakers over disagreements regarding the approval of four members of President Muizzu’s cabinet. Following the decision by the MDP and The Democrats to withhold approval for these cabinet members, pro-government MPs initiated a protest, disrupting parliamentary proceedings.

The MDP, in collaboration with The Democrats, reportedly gathered enough signatures for an impeachment motion, although it has not been formally submitted yet. The decision to pursue an impeachment motion was reportedly unanimous during a parliamentary group meeting of the MDP held on Monday.

The heightened tensions underscore the political divide in the Maldives, exacerbated by clashes in Parliament and disagreements over the approval of cabinet members. The pro-China stance of President Muizzu has been a contentious issue, and the opposition appears determined to challenge his presidency through parliamentary means.

It’s worth noting that the Maldives Parliament recently amended its standing orders, making it easier to submit an impeachment motion. The MDP and The Democrats together hold 56 seats, surpassing the minimum of 53 votes required within parliament to remove a sitting president. However, the ruling coalition argues that they will resist such a move, believing that not all members within the MDP and The Democrats may cooperate with the vote.

President Muizzu, 45, assumed office in September, defeating the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The recent events in Parliament, including clashes and the potential impeachment motion, reflect the complex political landscape in the Maldives. The upcoming parliamentary elections in mid-March add another layer of significance to the unfolding political dynamics in the Indian Ocean archipelago.