Tag: Maldivian Democratic Party

  • Maldives’ 2 Main Opposition Parties To Boycott Muizzu’s Presidential Statement | world news

    As the political turmoil continues in the Maldives, the island nation’s two main opposition parties–the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats Party–have chosen not to attend the presidential statement scheduled for February 5, Maldives-based media outlet Mihaaru. reported. The majority-holding MDP in parliament has not yet disclosed the purpose of the boycott.

    However, the Democrats released a statement explaining their decision to abstain from the meeting due to the re-appointment of the three ministers who had been rejected by parliament.

    This is the first session of Parliament this year. The presidential statement will be made on Monday at 9 am by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, according to Mihaaru.

    According to the outlet, more than one member of the MDP parliamentary group has confirmed the decision. The President is required by the Constitution to address Parliament at the first session of the first term of the year, outlining the state of the nation and outlining his recommendations for how to bring improvements.

    Quite recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives came out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labeling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development.

    The statement served to reassert and affirm the opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.

    The opposition further underlined that “stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.” Both the MDP and The Democrats emphasized the critical need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability “to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as the Maldives has traditionally done”.

  • Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu Under Fire Over ‘Anti-India’ Stance, Opposition Calls It ‘Detrimental’ To Development |

    MALE: Amid escalating tensions in India-Maldives relations, triggered by President Mohammad Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldivian waters, coupled with diplomatic clashes over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, have come together in condemning the government’s pronounced anti-India pivot.

    A Stark Shift In Foreign Policy Sparks Opposition Outcry

    In a joint press statement, the MDP and The Democrats vehemently expressed their concern, denouncing the foreign policy shift as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the nation’s long-term development. The statement reiterated the Opposition’s belief that alienating a longstanding ally like India poses a significant threat to the country’s progress.

    Opposition’s Emphasis On Stability And Security In the Indian Ocean

    The Opposition emphasized the indispensable role of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the overall well-being of the Maldives. Stressing the historical collaboration with India, they underscored the critical need for successive governments to maintain relationships with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivian people.

    China’s Growing Influence And Indian Concerns

    Recent reports of a Chinese research vessel heading to the Maldives have raised eyebrows, especially following President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassured that the country welcomes vessels from ‘friendly nations,’ but concerns have been voiced in New Delhi, given the historical context of similar situations in Sri Lanka in 2022.

    Agreement To Fast-Track Indian Troops Withdrawal

    On January 14, India and the Maldives reached an agreement to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. This move aligns with Muizzu’s election promise and has led to heightened tensions, considering the longstanding military cooperation between the two countries.

    Row Over Disparaging Remarks On PM Modi And Lakshadweep Visit

    A significant dispute unfolded after a Maldivian deputy minister and other officials made derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his vision for developing the region into a global beach tourism destination.

    Government’s Attempt To Distance Itself From Controversy 

    Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, swiftly distanced the government from the disparaging remarks, labeling them as “unacceptable” and clarifying that they do not reflect the official position of the government. The incident adds to the complexity of the evolving diplomatic scenario between India and the Maldives.