Debate over the committee report on merging presidential and parliamentary elections grew heated in parliament today, leading to the ejection of several opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs from the chamber.
Parliament's Independent Commissions Committee yesterday passed the election merger bill submitted by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Ibrahim Falah. The committee also decided that the public referendum on the matter will be held alongside the April 4 Local Council Elections. The committee's report was presented in today's parliament sitting.
When the debate on the committee report began today, the first to express discontent was MDP MP for Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla repeatedly urged Zakir to follow parliament regulations, with the warnings going unheeded. The Speaker then formally announced Zakir's name and had him removed from the parliament floor.
MDP's Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad (Fittey) then began to protest, claiming PNC PG Leader Falah had been granted the opportunity to speak despite Ziyad having requested to speak first.
The Speaker responded that he had done so because Ziyad had requested to speak, and then later cancelled the request.
With order in parliament disrupted, MDP MPs launched loud protests, sparking a heated exchange of words with PNC MPs.
Despite both parties being involved in the verbal altercation, the Speaker ordered the removal of MDP MPs Ziyad, South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad, South Hulhumale' MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed and Maavashu MP Ahmed Shakir.
Despite having their names officially announced, the MPs remained in the chambers. This led to the sitting being adjourned while parliament security got involved to escort them out.
