Speaker Mohamed Aslam has announced the possibility of an extraordinary parliamentary sitting to confirm President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet nominations. This announcement comes amidst ongoing delays and procedural setbacks in the confirmation process.
The Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has expressed concerns over the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP)-dominated parliament’s handling of the cabinet confirmation. The MDA, which supports President Muizzu, emphasised the critical role of ministers in assisting the President and implementing policies, stating that the delay is not only unacceptable but also a concern for the citizens.
The parliamentary session for this year, initially scheduled to end in November, was extended three times, with the final sitting on 28 December. Despite these extensions, the cabinet confirmation remained pending. The Government Oversight Committee, responsible for reviewing the ministerial nominations, failed to reach a quorum due to the holidays, resulting in the postponement of its meetings.
Speaker Aslam, during the final sitting for 2023, highlighted that while he would not extend the session for a fourth time, he is open to convening an extraordinary sitting if the committee completes its assessment report and a request is made. This flexibility is seen as an effort to circumvent the impasse that has left the cabinet’s confirmation in limbo.
The MDP has faced allegations of obstructing state proceedings by delaying consent to President Muizzu’s 22-member cabinet, formally sent for parliamentary approval on 20 November. The situation was complicated when the parliament sent the issue back to the committee, citing an incomplete report. Since then, the committee has not reconvened, further stalling the process.
This stalemate marks the first time the Maldivian Parliament has gone into recess without approving a new Cabinet.