MP Saleem elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament

Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament.

Saleem secured the position in a secret ballot conducted during a parliament sitting this evening.

MP Saleem received 51 votes while MP Jabir secured 23 votes.

Saleem expressed that the vote demonstrated that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is the most democratic party and provides opportunities for everyone.

He extended gratitude to the party's interim president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the party's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

MP Jabir's nomination for the Deputy Speaker's role went against the decision of the party's parliamentary group. While Saleem's candidacy was recommended and supported by the parliamentary group, Jabir's nomination was put forth by Thoddhoo MP Hassan Shiyan and endorsed by Gadhdhoo MP Ahmed Zahir.

Upon filing his nomination, MDP PG Group issued a three-line whip to vote for Saleem.

The Deputy Speaker position became vacant following the resignation of North Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla, who stepped down after responding to the no-confidence motion seeking her removal from the post.