MDP lawmakers disrupt President’s annual address

The opening sitting of the Parliament for this year was suspended on Thursday, as lawmakers from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protested inside the chambers as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began delivering his annual address.

The sitting began at 09:00 am.

But as soon as President Muizzu began delivering his address, MDP lawmakers rose up from their seats holding posters expressing anti-government sentiments and began protesting.

Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla named the lawmakers engaged in the protest and instructed them to leave the chambers.

However, they refused to leave and continued protesting, at which point Abdul Raheem decided to suspend the sitting until they are expelled from the chambers.

Those asked to leave the chambers for disrupting President Muizzu’s address include:

• South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil, the leader of MDP’s parliamentary group
• Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa
• Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad
• Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad
• Maradhoo MP Ahmed Didi
• Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer
• Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir
• North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu)

President Muizzu resumed his address at around 09:26 am, after the lawmakers were ejected from the chambers.

Thursday’s address marks President Muizzu’s second annual address since taking office in 2023. MDP lawmakers had chosen to boycott his 2024 address.

As incumbent MDP lawmakers protested inside the chambers, more of the party’s members, including former cabinet ministers and lawmakers, gathered outside the Parliament to protest against President Muizzu.