Maldives' Main Opposition Party Begins Impeachment Proceedings Against 'Pro-China' President Mohamed Muizzu

Maldives' main opposition party has started the process of bringing impeachment against recently elected pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.

This comes after Muizzu granted permission to a Chinese spy ship to dock in Male. Opposition vehemently opposed it and a scuffle followed in parliament yesterday.

The main opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) holds a majority in parliament and has started collecting signatures to file the impeachment.  

The violence in parliament happened when the government MPs started disturbing the House proceedings, NDTV reported.

After coming to power, Muizzu has been news for his anti-India stance. First, derogatory comments were made by three junior ministers. However, they were suspended subsequently.

These comments created a diplomatic rift between India and Maldives.

Then, breaking the tradition, Muizzu visited China first and signed 20 key agreements.

Muizzu came to power with 'India Out' campaign and soon after becoming president issued a 15 March deadline for India to withdraw its dozens of troops.

The two main opposition parties have 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.

The remarks were made at a joint news conference addressed by MDP's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ahmed Saleem, Democrats chief MP Hassan Latheef and the Parliamentary Group Leader Ali Azim.