Parliament was cancelled after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs blocked Speaker Abdulla Shahid from entering the chamber, in protest against an address that was to be given by President Dr Mohamed Hassan Waheed.
At a press conference on Wednesday evening, Shahid said he was unable enter the chamber despite several attempts, and on one occasion had fallen and injured himself. Given the current political tensions, Shahid said he was unable to guarantee the safety of members and had decided to proceed through negotiation, rather than force.
Shahid further condemned MDP’s disruption and said it was unhealthy given the current political climate.
With the exception of the streets around parliament, which were locked down by police and military officers, the streets of Male’ were eerily quiet this morning.
In the narrow alleys around parliament, protesters gathered and put pressure on police lines. The largest demonstration gathered around a group of women, some wearing face masks and goggles, who sat down in front of police at an intersection on Sosun Magu. The small group of police blocking the street to parliament appeared anxious but tolerant, and the mood was peaceful.
Earlier this morning, police reported that four officers were hospitalised with serious injuries after protesters attempted to break through police lines near the Wood Apple and threw stones and poles. A further 10 officers suffered minor injuries before the area was reinforced by the military.
“44 people have been arrested and police have the area controlled,” said Sub-Inspector Ahmed Shiyam. A subsequent SMS from police suggested that some of those arrested were to be tested for possible intoxication.
As of 1:00pm there had been no reports of protesters injured, and Minivan News observed police showing restraint in holding back largely peaceful crowds.
Inside parliament, MDP MPs – who make up 34 of the 77 member chamber, after the Supreme Court disqualified MP Mohamed Mustafa last week – were blocking the Speaker of Parliament, Abdulla Shahid from entering. Images being tweeted by MPs inside showed MDP MPs sitting on the Speaker’s table at the front of the chamber. MPs barricaded the doors and removed the chairs intended for the Speaker and Dr Waheed.
Shahid and a member of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) reportedly spoke with MPs to try and resolve the stand-off, while Haveeru reported that Indian High Commissioner D M Mulay was seen leaving the parliamentary office.
Telephone and internet connections inside parliament were reported to have been cut.
MDP made the decision to obstruct Dr Waheed’s address after the India-sanctioned ‘roadmap’ talks failed to produce an election date. A week of talks had established a seven point agenda, which included setting an election date and discussing necessary constitutional reforms, but no order of preference was agreed in yesterday’s meetings.
Rhetoric from key government figures, including Dr Waheed, has meanwhile suggested that they favour elections as normal in 2013. The MDP maintains that Mohamed Nasheed was ousted in a bloodless coup on February 7, and that Dr Waheed’s government is illegitimate.
Updates:
1:21: President Waheed’s Press Secretary Masood Imad said Dr Waheed remaining inside parliament waiting for the opportunity to give his address, but said MDP MPs had occupied the chamber and were obstructing the chamber.
2:20: Crowds in the streets outside parliament heated but non-violent. Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam and Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz are reportedly conducting a meeting inside parliament, along with some members of Dr Waheed’s new cabinet.
2:55: The United States Embassy in Colombo has issued a statement expressing concern at the “disorderly protests in Malé and disruption of the opening session of the Majlis.”
“The US attaches great importance to our friendly relations with Maldives. We have welcomed the efforts of all sides to participate in a dialogue on a democratization process that could create the conditions for early elections. As the Majlis session opens, the United States encourages all parties to continue to work collaboratively and peacefully toward a solution as agreed with the Roadmap document, and not allow violence to further complicate the situation. The United States will continue to support Maldives in this process, and we stand ready to provide technical assistance on elections. In the interests of all Maldivians, we urge the parties to work together in a constructive and cooperative manner to reach agreement.”
5:30: A press conference has been called in parliament.
5:50: Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin, said at a press conference that India’s “Foreign Secretary was [in the Maldives] to facilitate among Maldivian parties the next steps in trying to resolve this issue. The issue that remains contentious and that is the only issue left on the table is the date of elections. There were some that wanted the date to be announced prior to the Majlis and some wanted it to be dicussed inside the Majlis. As far as India is concerned, we are okay if there is discussion inside the Majlis or any other forum that they find suitable.”
6:00: Reports of MDP MPs being warned they would be removed by the military if they continued to disrupt the session.
6:30: MDP MPs Ibrahim Rasheed and Mohamed Shifaz have reportedly been removed from the parliament chamber by the military.
6:45: Rasheed was let back into the chamber after MDP Parlimentary Group Leader Ibu Solih negotiated with the Sergeant-at-arms.
7:00: A press conference that was earlier cancelled is back on.
7:30: Speaker Abdulla Shahid has announced the cancellation of the parliament session, after MDP MPs refused to let him into the chamber. On the last attempt Shahid said he fell and hurt himself slightly. The next session is scheduled for Monday.
8:00: President Waheed, Dr Mohamed Jameel and Azima Shukoor holding a press conference imminently.
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Also, now MDP has 32 seats. Get facts right, can't be difficult coz this blog is run by Nasheed's family after all.
In addition, there's only 15 MDP MP's in the chamber carrying out these desecration. The rest of the MDP MPs left not wanting any part of it.
A tyrant leader has no option other than rule by force or leave the job.
MDP is controlled by thugs! Its sooo obvious!
People power does not use thuggery like the coalition and DRP.
ELECTION NOW!
According to then opposition parties that together brought the government down in a coup d’état on 7 February, the foreign governments have no say in what they called the 'internal affairs' of the country. Thus, the IPU and India or any other foreign party, for that matter, has no role to play about the standoff in the parliament.
However, as in the case of the famous November 3 military attack on the Maldives, the then president Gayoom asked India for military help to fight off the mercenaries. This was NOT an internal matter. But, when India proposed a date for an early election to be agreed upon as a measure to end the present political crisis, it was not acceptable to the rogue parties unlawfully in power responded it was an internal business of the Maldives.
Actually, the Maldives is dependent on other countries for each and every requirement: be it food and clothing and building materials. Without these requirements fulfilled, the country would not survive to deal with any internal business.
Our politicians had better realise the fact and accept the reality in their assertions against friendly countries like India.
So too the government.
MDP thugs! They neva change! d same in govt and d same in oppositon. Dialogue they don't kno. Too bad eh! They only know of violence and protests!
nasheeds government was brought down by a coup and it should be dealt with. His MDP supporters wants an early elections, without the election Waheed cannot address the parliament. waheed should listen to the public.
I think mr waheed is very angry.
the protests were anything but peaceful. the MDP protestors threw petrol at the police and tried to set them on fire. they continued to throw heavy stones at police and many officers sustained injuries. they have broken into a shop which sell baby products and atleast one person who was shopping at that time received injuries when the shops glass window was broken. there are protesters who were armed with sticks, batons, sharpend objects, etc.
so no matter how hard minivan news try to portray them as peacful. the truth is they are not. this news outlet is bankrolled by MDP and is always biased for them. so for the foreigner reading it dont be fooled. this is not a credible news outlet.
Election is not good enough, we need to do more.
What are we going to do with Coup leaders like.
Kibi Maumoon,
Crown Company Saleem or Gadhage Saleem
Kamini Yamin
Sultan Thasneem
Villa Gasim
Bandos Waheedheen.
These are the people who paid for the coup, I say there assets needs to be confiscated and taken over by the Maldivian state as a deterrent so that no fat head will ever get a stupid idea like this into there heads to purchase a elected Government.
Please check for relable updated information from http://sun.mv/english/
Minivannews is is dictator Nasheed's own propaganda machine!!
Meeves hindhukolheh ingeytho Anni. Hikmaiy beynunkuravvaa!!
Chaos is necessary for a new order. The people of the Maldives are standing for the creation of a new economic and social order in our country. Defined, and determined by us.
The USA has the audacity to speak of violence in todays deminstrations. But cannot acknowledge the violence that forced an elected President to resign!!
Anni is an extremist
A police man is badly injured by MDP thugs and he immediately to be sent to Colombo hospital! MDP thugs doesn't love this country! They only love Mariya, Rekko Moosa and Sarangu Adam manik! Gayoom and Nasheed welcome to the Maldives you always wanted.
USA and European governments are fooled by Nasheed and his MDP gang! The real extremists are MDP!
what we want is only election. its very simple. no matter who wins, that will be legally!
if we allow this coup govt to be leggal, those coup ppl may change any govt anytime if they dont like, by using bribery.
i did not vote for ani before, but after see this things, i dont like how they remove president!! they are too lust for power!! heh power hungry ppl!!
MDP demonstrators are resorting to throwing stones, bricks, and flagpoles at Police. However police are showing immense restraint by not showing MDP any sign of force. Is this what MDP calls a peaceful protest ?
The coup government shall abolish the Majlis. An unconstitutional government can do it and run the government with MNDF and Police. And when they are happy, we can restore democracy. Until then the people can do shit.
MDP not loving the country they love there own power hunger tummy
@JJ
Where was Waheed on the morning of the coup? He should have been at work as "normal" or with the President helping in a crisis. Why was he watching TV and not at work as to him, it was just another ordinary day after all???
He should at least been available for the President, his boss by phone in an emergency?
It does not make sense????
MDP never has obbeyed any1 and wud never will...they say that Anni is God and they are his slaves....he he....
MDP Gadhu, Vadhoo & Faresmaathoda people on their way to Male to join protestors, about 733 people left.
they took over the executive of this country by threatening the president and forced him to resign taking advantage of a situation where anni was trying to reform a corrupt judiciary.
judiciary is clearly corrupt. red wave saleem, jangiya nazim cleared of all charges within weeks of handing over government. and now presidential commission to investigate the obvious corruption of maumoon regime is abolished.
compared to the above matters, the upheaval in parliament today by MDP members doesn't seem like such a big deal.
Dr Waheed must go home and take a deep breath and decide what is best for the country not for him.This is our country and it belongs to all of us. Each one of us must do what is the best for the people. Today he has heard from the people's representatives and the vast majority of the people. It was loud and clear. Our neighbors and our biggest donors have suggested him to call for early elections. This is what the opposition is calling for. This is how political disputes are addressed in any country. Waheed, do what is right for the country and please don't try to hang in there with the might of the brutal police force. This will never work in the country again. We have gone through this for 30 years and the people are not going to accept this. Only you can save this country today from chaos and deterioration. Please do the right thing and resign.
Its time Rogue President Waheed handed over his presidency to the Speaker of Majlis and left.
Today the message is very clear from the parliament looted presidency of Maldives, Rogue President Waheed should shut up, elected people representative of Maldives has spoken, they have refuse to listen to this Rogue President, neither wants to speak with him.
Its time Waheed handed over all his powers (if he has any power) to the speaker of the Parliament and get the hell our of our life.
Mean while its time we confiscated all the assets of the people who paid and bought the government of Maldives.
Plus we must kick out all the army and police personnel who took part in the coup disgracefully and make sure they never wear our uniform or work in the Government of Maldives or in the Civil service.
Humility is greatness in plain clothes. Humility is royalty without a crown.
Today President Waheed has chosen humilty over ego and power. He could not deliver the Presidential address but he has earned the respect of the people and enhanced his stature.
The retards of banana republic…, we always see in them some kid of mental issue. Stubbornness, narcissism is the main characteristics of these apes. Look at that small guy claiming to be the president, with the approval of the opposition who were rejected by the people. Like a stubborn disobedient child, clinging greedily to a chocolate bar. “No I can’t give you my chocolate bar this is what my father gave me” When we look at him reminds us of a caged orangutan unwilling to let go a banana. Why can’t this guy simply give up when it is clear that the half of population regard him illegitimate?. Does he really want the peaceful resolution? Just leave it to people on the ballot box without repeating the same tactics of That Arabstan Maumoon by saying “the situation is not conducive for a peaceful fair election”
Don’t think you have any legitimacy when the opposition is rallying behind you. Don’t judge on what you think is right, let the people speak on the ballot box and then come to conclusion.
Please don't point your finger at all the Proud police and army men and women in uniform, some of us wear our uniform with dignity and with pride, we respect our emblem.
However, those who took money to take part in the coup to over throw the legitimately elected Government of Maldives by its citizens must and should be expelled and discharged with from our proud forces with disgrace and they should never serve in army and police Plus they should never work in the Government of Maldives and they should never work in the Civil Service of our beloved country.
Maldivians should not fight among ourselves.
No one sustained serious injuries during today's protest. Don't know why the police officer is going to Colombo
Thank you for the Laura, Keerefa Naseem. Will you now go and spend the rest of your life reading sun.mv?
This is typical maldives.
Ignorant idiots.
Don't let go. Rip the whole system apart and destroy everything.
Typical MDP behaviour. They are bloody hooligans, terrorist and animals who doesn't know how to behave like decent humans. The Maldives should get rid of all these MDP thugs. Dr Waheed, just wipe them off. Maldives will be a better place without these MDP terrorists.
I am very happy today. My boys are following the true teachings I gave them over a course of three years. Well done boys. Keep up the good work. Carry on vandalism and unprofessional behaviour. We are a violent team who the maldivians should be scared off. he he he 🙂
*Cancelled
Todays actions of MDP Parliamentarians were a fine display of their typical thug behaviour.
You are a minority, MDP.
Think before you become obsolete.
Former President Nasheed was ousted by the people after staging street demonstration. Now the same people is staging street demonstration ousted President Waheed. Don't you Maldivian have anything better to do than holding street demonstration.
Maldives is not a super power country which have solid economy. Maldives economy is fragile, with limited resources and internal production it could collapse at anytime, the current political unrest is not helping the country. When that happen you will indirectly sell this county of your to the neighboring country. You will become salve in your own country.
Wake-up Maldivian!! you have to join forces to improve your economy not to destroy it. There are only 350,000 Maldivian and yet you can't see eye to eye on most matters.
Waheed and his supporters just can't digest the fact that there are a lot of Maldivians, and not just MDP members, who regard this new government as an illegal government and thus Waheed has no business opening the Parliament, which should be done by a legally elected president. You are right, Hassan Saeed, Jameel and Azima, there is a huge difference between President Nasheed and Waheed, the former is our democratically elected President and the latter, a terrorist, who is surrounded by big businesses of this Country, like Gasim, Champa etc, because they want to go back to their early days to power and corruption, which they couldn't get with Nasheed in power. The people protesting around Male' and Maldives, do not want Waheed as a President, and want an election to decide who their president should be, not military, police and weapons. The message is loud and clear.
This is unbelievable. The MPs representing MDP has today proved beyond doubt the true colours of MDP. Those MDP MPs behaved like illiterate barbarics. Anyone who has voted them must be ashamed. Today’s events have beyond doubt proved to the international community that MDP has no intention of resolving the political impasse through negotiation and dialogue. The only real obstruction paving the way to election is MDP itself. Their violent and hate provoking attitude of the senior MDP members, Nasheed in particular knows no bounds. The commonwealth and India now should now, know who is the real obstruction to democracy in the Maldives and should call MDP to the table.
I have supported MDP all the way but this is something else now.
If there is a coup, why is MDP asking for an election?
If there is a coup the first thing should be an inquiry into the coup.
Then only the second step could be taken. We do not even know what happened. The only word of a coup is from Anni after 24 hours. So we need to find out first what happened.
If the open inquiry finds out that there is a coup, then Waheed should resign and call for fresh elections.
If there is no coup, then he would be as President till 2013.
Why are lots of people calling for an election before the inquiry is finished? This smells something. I think if MDP is refusing an inquiry then Anni did really resign and does not want an inquiry.
Today was a disgrace. The MPs who violated the sanctity of the Majlis should never be allowed in there again.
They have shown disrespect to the Majlis and also to the Maldivian Flag. This is not democracy. This is anarchy. This makes PPM and DRP look like reasonable people.If they do not accept as a President, they can file a case in the Supreme Court and get it annulled. Or they can impeach him in the Majlis.
All this call for an election is bollocks. The constitution has to be changed and how can anyone change the constitution without the President signing it into law? The same "Illegal President"? What a bunch of nitwits.
Nasheed must go to UK and take a drink and decide if he seriously want to rule this country for Maldivians or for Mariya and Rekko! If he wants to rule for Mariya and Rekko, then he needs to get the F^^^ out!
Today Gayooms Lawyer Mohamed Waheed called 4 times to a gang leader to beat-up Sheik Imran of Adalath Party offering MRf 50000 to do the fighting.
The plan was to blame the violence on MDP, and incite public unrest.
MDP is doing the right thing for this country. They always did... No credit for anything to those in Maumoon's regime. Just like Usama Bin Laden, Grand pa Maumoon will release an audio tape from time to time... Who the fuc he think he is???
hahahaaha...what fun jokers!it is one thing not to let Dr.Waheed in to give a presidential address but to not let the chair of parliament,who is also an elected member of parliament inside the house is a nonredeemable attack on the people of the country.It goes against anything a valid civilzed decmocracy stands for.MDP has destroyed the credibility of the last institution left to voice the concerns of the people.This will set a dangerous precedent if any action is not taken against the people who commited this outrageous acts.Under the concept of seperation of powers parliament is independent from the executive and judiciary.Anything in parliament should have been approved through a majority vote representing the people, you cannot let 15 odd members get inside parliament use force and violence and terrorize the nation.This is high treason against the state and the people!International community needs to take action!
just wondering. so if nasheed come back to power what are they gonna call the police and mndf? are they gonna fire all of them and are all mdp members gonna join our police force and army and serve us citizens "insaafuverikon"?
Imagine how the Minivannews headlines would be if it the other party/parties were doing the demonstrations! 'Violent, babaric, unlawful demonstrations/obstructions ...
I don't think this was acceptable behaviour at all. Before people go accusing our MPs of bad behaviour, you have to remember that this sort of thing happens once in a while in even mature democracies.
After all, it was less than 2 weeks ago that a British Labour Party MP head butted a fellow MP in the House of Commons! At least, I don't think our MPs did any of that sort of thing today.
I hope MDP do not corner themselves into a no-win situation here. There are far better ways to deal with Waheed than this. MDP is behaving like a kid who just lost their favourite toy. Grow up guys.