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Grave recent events have shocked the heart of the Maldivian democracy: The People’s Majlis (Parliament).

On 28 January 2024, PGA’s Board Member and Chair of the Parliamentary Rapid Response Team (PARRT) was verbally and physically assaulted while on her way to the People’s Majlis (Maldivian Parliament). After the incidents, Hon. Adam stated:

Hon. Rozaina Adam, MP

Maldives

As a woman and parliamentarian, I am distraught and saddened by the recent incidents of violence within our Parliament. This is not the first time I’ve been the target of attacks of this sort. It is disheartening to witness actions that not only compromise our democratic institution but, more alarmingly, target women parliamentarians. Our commitment to democracy must be unwavering, fostering an environment of mutual respect.

Our Parliaments should be a space where diverse voices are welcomed and protected. It is imperative that we collectively work towards implementing robust measures that condemn violence, promote accountability, and ensure the safety of all parliamentarians. Together, we can transform our parliamentary space into a beacon of inclusivity, equality, and respect for all. Hon. Rozaina Adam, MP (Maldives) & Chair of the Parliamentary Rapid Response Team (PARRT)

According to news reports, on this date, opposition and ruling lawmakers entered into a physical brawl, which led to MPs sustaining physical injuries during a parliamentary session. The fight started during the debate to approve current President Mohamed Muizzu’s ministers. Media outlets reported seeing MPs from the People’s National Congress (PNC), the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) exchanging kicks and blows after opposition parliamentarians voted against the approval of 4 cabinet members. In addition, the ruling alliance barred MPs from entering the Parliament. This is not the first time democracy has been put at stake in the country.

In support of their colleague, PGA’s Board and PARRT Members representing all regions unequivocally stated:

We strongly condemn the recent acts of violence in the Maldivian Parliament. Such behavior goes against the principles of democracy, jeopardizing our democratic institutions. We call for an immediate investigation into the incidents and urge all parliamentarians to uphold the values of tolerance, respectful dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. We must foster an environment that encourages open debate and inclusivity, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members, especially women parliamentarians. Let us collectively strive for a democratic system where differences are resolved through discourse rather than physical confrontation. PGA Members of the Board and PARRT

PGA denounces these events and stresses that democracy relies on open debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas; physical altercations between elected representatives increase distrust in the legislature and weaken decorum and ethics at this institution, eroding its value. To address these incidents and elevate the discourse in Parliaments, PGA’s Democratic Renewal and Human Rights Campaign drafted a non-binding Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct to encourage Members of Parliament to refrain from using hate speech and spreading disinformation. Today, 116 MPs around the world have signed the Code, signaling it as a vital instrument for adopting better speech-related democratic practices.

Parliaments should hold elected representatives accountable for their actions by ensuring rules apply equally to all individuals, follow due diligence, and are transparent.  Parliamentary proceedings should also be transparent to maintain public trust. In particular, violence against women in Parliament, both as staff and parliamentarians, is a deeply concerning and pervasive issue that challenges the fundamental rights of women to participate fully in politics, healthy democratic governance, and the achievement of gender equality.

PGA, therefore, has prioritized addressing violence against women in parliament with a specific initiative. Prevention of gender-based violence and prosecution of perpetrators are critical for the preservation and enhancement of democracy. Our recently published Parliamentary Toolbox for Democracy Defense incorporates strategies to promote a safe and inclusive political environment for women in politics.

Violence against women leaders is a direct threat to the affected individual and acts as a deterrent to other women considering a career in politics, discouraging female leaders from entering into politics, undermining an inclusive and diverse society, which could jeopardize robust decision-making, and can have broader implications for the overall health of a peaceful society.

PGA members will continue to uphold democracy wherever and whenever attacks are committed against it by raising awareness about these incidents, giving visibility to concrete actions and strategies to stand together for democratic values, and providing solidarity with parliamentarians and human rights defenders at risk.