A tense political standoff has gripped the Maldives as the Parliamentary Group of the The Democrats issued a three-line whip, withholding approval for three Ministers and the Attorney General appointed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The decision has sparked protests outside the parliamentary building, with supporters of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) expressing their discontent with the move.

The affected Ministers are Mohamed Saeed, responsible for Economic Development and Trade; Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, overseeing Housing, Land, and Urban Development; and Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, serving as the Minister of Islamic Affairs.

The MDP has also included Attorney General Ahmed Usham in the list of cabinet members for whom they refuse approval.

Amidst the political turmoil, protesters affiliated with the PPM/PNC party supporters have gathered outside the parliamentary premises, brandishing posters with slogans such as "Don't stop the government" and "Don't withhold progress of the nation."

The demonstration underscores the polarized opinions on the parliamentary decision, with some advocating for the government's continuity and progress.

The heart of the matter lies in the Democrats' concerns over the policies implemented by the current administration.

In a statement released just moments before the extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled for today, the Democrats expressed alarm and discontent with certain policies.

Following internal discussions, the party decided to withhold approval from specific Ministers, citing the need for a robust opposition to ensure good governance.

The Democrats' statement emphasized that holding the government accountable is a vital responsibility of the Parliament, and their decision to withhold approval reflects their commitment to scrutinizing policies and actions that they deem concerning.

The issue is set to take center stage in the parliamentary meeting scheduled for today, where discussions and debates are expected to unfold over the approval of cabinet members.

The political climate remains charged, and the outcome of these deliberations could have significant implications for the trajectory of the current administration and the political landscape in the Maldives.