Maldives Opposition Leaders Back India, Issue Vote of No Confidence Threat to Muizzu

Several Maldivian opposition leaders have demanded newly elected Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and his government to resign, accusing him and his ministers of jeopardising India-Maldives relationship.

Maldivian leader Azim Ali was the latest elected lawmaker to demand the resignation of Muizzu and his ministers for insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and making racially derogatory remarks targeting Indians. He also called the opposition leaders to move a motion of no-confidence to oust the newly elected government.

Here is a list of comments made by Maldivian politicians backing India and criticising Muizzu for his comments:

• “We, the Democrats, are dedicated to upholding the stability of the nation’s foreign policy and preventing isolation of any neighbouring country. Are Are you willing to take all necessary steps to remove (President) Mohamed Muizzu from power? Is Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?” Azim Ali said in a post on X.
• Former deputy speaker Eva Abdullah told news agency ANI that the comments made by the now ousted ministers were ‘racist’. “I think it is important that the Government of Maldives issue a formal apology to the Indian people. The remarks by the minister are simply shameful, racist and intolerable. The minister’s words are in no way a reflection of the opinion of the people of Maldives. We’re very aware of how dependent we have been on India, and that India has always been the first responders whenever we are in need,” Abdullah said.
• “I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries,” former Maldivian president Ibrahim Solih said.
• “Derogatory remarks made by two deputy Ministers of the current Maldives government and a member of a political party in the ruling coalition, towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on social media is reprehensible and odious,” former Maldivian foreign minister Abdullah Shahid said.
• “We should respond with strong action so that this is not repeated,” former vice-president of Maldives Ahmed Adeeb told news agency ANI.
• “India has been our 911 call, whenever we need it, we give a call and you all come to our rescue. That kind of a friend. When you see such disparaging remarks about friends like this, it is sad for everyone concerned,” former Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi said.