Clashes erupt in Maldives Parliament during crucial vote on President Muizzu's Cabinet
Male, Jan 28: Clashes broke out in Maldives' Parliament on Sunday between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers over differences over the approval of four members of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) decided to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of President Muizzu's cabinet ahead of the voting on the cabinet. Subsequently, pro-government MPs initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting from proceeding, according to local media reports.
During the clash, an altercation occurred between Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem Shaheem and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa when the former tripped and knocked down Easa.
Shaheem had also sustained injuries on his head when the two parliamentarians fell near the chamber during the scuffle. Minority leader Moosa Siraj had attempted to stop the altercation.
Shaheem has now been taken to the hospital, according to the reports.
The decision of the opposition MDP and The Democrats' parliamentary group not to approve some members of President Muizzu's cabinet, has led to the ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition affiliated parliamentarians to disrupt parliament proceedings and enter the chambers of the Speaker, the report added.
A video viral on social media shows MPs gathered near the speaker's chair and engaged in a physical altercation.
Meanwhile, Mathiveri Member of Parliament Hassan Zareer also sustained serious injuries on his finger. According to a parliamentarian, Zareer was injured during the scuffle between the members.
While the voting has been halted, pro-government supporters and officials are currently protesting outside the parliament, calling for the approval of cabinet ministers.
MDP, which has a majority in parliament, has decided not to vote to approve Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
The Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) coalition have said that denying parliamentary approval to President Muizzu's cabinet will be tantamount to obstructing the services the government gives to citizens.
Meanwhile, the ruling PPM-PNC coalition has filed no-confidence motions against the Parliament's Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, Sun.mv news website reported.
The no-confidence motion stems from the stalled cabinet approval. The coalition has accused Speaker Aslam of misusing his official capacity to complement the interests of a certain party, it said.
Soon after taking oath as the President of Maldives on November 17 last year, Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China leader, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from his country, saying the Maldivian people have given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi.
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— Adhadhu (@AdhadhuMV) January 28, 2024
Parliament proceedings have been disrupted after clashes between PPM/PNC MPs and opposition MPs. pic.twitter.com/vhvfCBgQ1s
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IPL allows temporary replacements considering non-availability of a few foreign players
New Delhi, May 14 (PTI): The Indian Premier League on Wednesday allowed teams to make temporary replacements in their squad for the remainder of the tournament considering the non-availability of a few foreign players owing to the forced rescheduling of the event.
IPL had to be suspended last week due to the India-Pakistan military conflict but the announcement of the ceasefire paved the way for its resumption on May 17.
As per the original schedule, the IPL final was to be held on May 25 but now it will take place on June 3, making it trickier for the players who had to report for national duty.
While a few players are not returning due to personal reasons, the likes of Jamie Overton, representing CSK this season, will stay back in the UK for the white-ball series against the West Indies at home.
In an email to franchises which was accessed by PTI, IPL informed the teams of the temporary replacement player option.
"... in the current situation, where we had to temporarily suspend IPL 2025, resulting in its completion beyond the earlier set-out date of May 25, 2025, we have reassessed the Replacement Player provisions.
"Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament.
"This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year," IPL said in its note.
As per the IPL Player Regulations 2025-27, players can be replaced if they are injured or ill, provided the injury or illness occurs during or before the 12th league match of the relevant team in that season.
"Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026. The replacements which were approved or taken before the suspended period will be eligible for retention ahead of 2026 player auction," the note added.
The rescheduling is likely to impact the preparation of South Africa and Australia for the World Test Championship final beginning at Lord's on June 11.
