Pro-government MPs have locked the doors of the Parliament chamber after the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats decided not to approve some ministers appointed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.
The vote on the ministerial appointees was scheduled for 1:30 pm.
Some MPs who spoke to Adhadhu said both doors for entry to the floor were locked. But some MPs were trying to enter through the special door designated for the Speaker, they said.
MPs who support the government were active in the chamber with items like trumpets. Kanditheemu MP Hussain Shaheem was sitting in the Speaker's chair.
The Democrats decided to vote against approving Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Housing Minister Dr. Ali Haidar and Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. MDP decided to approve Zameer.
The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) coalition said the opposition was refusing to approve ministers in order to stop services to the public.
"The Progressive Congress Coalition does not doubt that these ministers work while prioritizing the benefit and welfare of the public. They will do all the work necessary to fully implement the pledges and the vision that the President showed to the public in order to come to government," the coalition said in a statement.
