The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the Mohamed Muizzu administration of using its parliamentary supermajority for personal gain and stifling dissenting voices. The controversy centres around emergency motions submitted by the MDP, which the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has consistently rejected.
This week, the MDP parliamentary group put forth two critical emergency motions. The first urged the Muizzu administration to resume scholarship payments for students studying abroad, while the second called for an end to staff dismissals from state-owned companies alongside increased high-paid political appointments. These motions directly impact citizens’ well-being and education, according to MDP.
Despite the urgency of these matters, the PNC lawmakers rejected both motions. In a press conference, the MDP parliamentary group condemned the PNC’s actions, alleging the PNC is using its supermajority to stifle dissent and maintain control.
While the PNC lawmakers suggested that the MDP proposed the emergency motions merely to waste parliamentary time, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir condemned this suggestion, accusing the PNC of misusing its dominant position. He labelled the rejection of emergency motions as an exploitation of the supermajority, adding that recent PNC discussions aimed to limit the opposition’s ability to propose such motions, effectively silencing the minority.
MP Ibrahim Nazil, leader of the MDP parliamentary group, also expressed frustration, claiming that the PNC lawmakers prioritise praising President Muizzu over addressing critical issues. “They don’t want to move forward unless it serves their narrative of praising the government,” MP Nazil asserted.
Despite setbacks, MP Nazil vowed to continue advocating for urgent matters affecting citizens, adding that the MDP parliamentary group remains committed to representing public concerns and holding the government to account.