The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has called for continuous protests against what he describes as an “illegitimate state” under President Mohamed Muizzu, accusing his government of violating the Constitution and dismantling democratic institutions.
Ismail’s call came in an X post on Wednesday after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended three of the seven Supreme Court justices just minutes before a scheduled hearing on a petition challenging the constitutionality of a recent amendment that strips lawmakers of their seats if they leave or are expelled from the party under which they were elected.
The JSC suspended Justices Husnu Al Suood, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr Aishath Azmiralda Zahir, citing an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) without providing any details. The suspensions effectively cancelled the hearing on the petition filed by former MP Ali Hussain, who sought an injunction to halt removal proceedings against lawmakers until a Supreme Court ruling on the matter.
In his post, Ismail said Muizzu’s “illegitimate” government had “broken the entire system of government” and undermined the systematic mechanisms by which the people can ensure their power.
“Even when this government came to power, it had a history of dictatorial rule. The MDP worked to hold the government accountable within the framework of the Constitution and the democratic system. However, today the PNC has violated the Constitution and destroyed the three-branch system of government. Difficult, challenging, and dark days are ahead,” he wrote.
The suspensions followed the PNC-controlled parliament’s rushed passage of a bill reducing the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five, a move that would force the removal of two judges. Parliament’s Counsel General Fathimath Filza on Tuesday warned against dismissing judges solely to implement the bill, calling it unfair. The legislation does not grant judges the opportunity to respond before being declared unfit for office.
Legal experts have criticised the government’s moves, warning that they threaten judicial independence and consolidate executive control over the judiciary.
Ismail said the MDP would organise a series of activities in the coming days to “restore the power of the people” in line with a resolution passed by the party’s National Assembly on 10 December.
“All political parties, civil society organisations, and individuals working in defence of democracy are invited to attend these events,” he said.
The government has not responded to the opposition’s allegations.
Muizzu, who took office in November 2023, has faced mounting criticism from the opposition over governance and constitutional matters. The PNC-led administration has defended its policies, saying it is committed to upholding democratic principles.