The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to boycott the opening of the People's Majlis where President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is due to deliver his first presidential address.
Some MPs of the majority party confirmed to Adhadhu that the decision was made during a meeting of the party's parliamentary group on Sunday night.
One MP said the majority of MDP MPs want to allow President Muizzu to deliver his address smoothly without interruptions.
"Our MPs are many. An interruption might be caused even if one of those MPs voices their opinion. So the parliamentary group believes the best decision is to allow President Muizzu to do this smoothly," the MP told Adhadhu.
In a statement, the MDP said the decision was made because of the government's attempts to disrespect the parliament and undermine its authority.
The statement noted that the day for the opening sitting of the People's Majlis has traditionally been a public holiday, but the current administration had decided to make it a working day.
"The boycott is a peaceful protest against the government's failure to stop the threats and attacks on MPs planned by government officials and the government's attempts to undermine the powers of the parliament and encroach on the privileges of the parliament while straying away from democracy," it read.
Earlier, the MDP revealed that efforts were underway to impeach Muizzu.
Meanwhile, the opposition-aligned Democrats also decided to boycott the opening of the People's Majlis.
In a statement, the party said the decision was made because three cabinet ministers rejected by the Parliament were invited to attend the opening sitting.
"This party's parliamentary group believes that inviting three ministers rejected by the parliament is an act in violation of the constitution and an act to challenge the authority of the parliament," the party stated.
There are 13 MPs from the Democrats and 44 MPs from the MDP in the People's Majlis. The opening sitting for the Majlis is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am on Monday.
