Will give necessary space for minority in Parliament: PNC

Despite its supermajority in the newly sworn in 20th parliament of the Maldives, the parliament's affairs will be arranged in such a way that gives space for minority party members as well, said People's National Congress (PNC) today.

The statement was made by the party's parliamentary group during the fist media briefing held following the parliament's oath taking ceremony this morning.

Speaking at the press conference, MP of Inguraidhoo constituency and majority leader Ibrahim Falah said that it would be one of their biggest priorities despite the party's "mighty army", ensuring the opportunities desired by the 12 members of the minority party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), would be one of their top priorities.

"[We] assure that we will involve the [minority members] as much as possible in the committees and floor debates," said Falah, who has previously served as an MP as well.

When asked by a member of press whether the party would misuse the supermajority of 75 members, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, who was elected as Speaker with 71 votes today, said that the people gave such a huge majority to the party because they were sure the party would not do such a thing.

"The public gave us such a vast majority because they are sure that PNC will always work with equality and fairness just like President Dr Mohamed Muizzu always says," Abdul Raheem said.

Instead, the supermajority will be used to ensure what is best of the country and its people, he said.

PNC originally secured 66 seats in the Parliamentary elections held in April. However, 9 members who won the elections as independent candidates signed for the party prior to the oath taking ceremony, increasing the party's member count to 75.

The remaining members in the parliament include 12 MDP members, 2 members of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), one member of Jumhooree Party (JP), one member of Maldives National Party (MNP) and two independent candidates.