MDP Parliamentary Group Backs Majority of PNC Ministers in Cabinet Approval Vote

A significant number of members from the parliamentary group of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted in favor of approving several ministers from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) during today’s parliamentary sitting.

The vote took place in the People's Majlis as part of the process to grant parliamentary approval to ministers following the formation of a new cabinet by President Mohamed Muizzu.

Broad Support Despite Opposition Stance

Despite being the main opposition party, many MDP lawmakers voted to approve a majority of the ministers. Only three ministers were broadly denied support by MDP members:

• Economic Minister Ahmed Saeed
• Heritage Minister Heena Waleed
• Environment Minister Ali Shareef

All other ministers received backing from a significant portion of MDP MPs.

Breakdown of Key Votes

MP Mikaail Ahmed Naseem voted against approving Finance Minister Zameer, although most other MDP members supported the appointment.

For the Home Minister Ihusan, both Mikaail and MP Hussain Ziyad voted against approval. These two MPs also opposed the appointments of Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu and Tourism Minister Ameen.

Five MDP MPs voted against Housing Minister Mutalib, including:

• PG Leader Nazil
• Mauroof Zaki
• Ahmed Didi

Unanimous Backing for Key Ministries

No MDP member voted against several key ministers, including:

• Islamic Minister Shaheem
• Health Minister Geela
• Foreign Minister Iruthisham
• Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed
• Fisheries Minister Shiyam

The outcome of today’s vote contrasts with the MDP parliamentary group’s earlier stance, where they had been strongly critical of the government and its ministers, frequently voicing opposition and staging protests.

However, today’s voting pattern indicates that a majority of MDP MPs expressed confidence in several cabinet members, despite ongoing political tensions.

Meanwhile, the MDP continues its series of nightly protests across Malé.