Maldives: Two Opposition Parties To Boycott Pro-China President Muizzu's Address In Parliament Amid Diplomatic Rift With India

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been drawing criticism for his anti-India stance since his election and now two main opposition parties -- Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats -- have decided to boycott his address.

This address happens in the parliament during the first session of every year, where the President outlines the state of the nation and recommendations for tackling situations, as per the Constitution of The Maldives.

While MDP has not disclosed the reason for skipping the presidential address, the Democrats have reasoned out that they oppose the re-appointment of three ministers rejected by parliament, NDTV reported.

This comes when MDP, which holds a majority in parliament, has already started the process of impeachment against pro-China President Muizzu. This was in opposition to Muizzu's permission to a Chinese spy ship to dock in Male.

The two main opposition parties have also been expressing concerns that the President Muizzu-led government's 'anti-India' stance could negatively impact the nation's development.

Their assessment on "the direction in foreign policy" stated the Maldivian government must work with all development partners as it has traditionally done.

"Stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives," said the two opposition parties, which jointly hold 55 seats in the 87-member house.

Another opposition leader of Maldives Jumhooree Party, Qasim Ibrahim, had urged Muizzu to issue a formal apology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.