MP Aslam elected as Parliament Speaker

North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam has been elected as the Speaker of the Parliament.

The process of electing a new Speaker was carried out at a parliament sitting held last night following the resignation of Central Machangolhi MP Mohamed Nasheed from the post of Parliament Speaker.

MP Aslam, who was also the running mate of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had applied for the post on behalf of majority party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Besides Aslam, the post was contested by The Democrats' parliamentary group leader and Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim.

MP Aslam, who won the secret ballot held in parliament on Monday, secured 53 votes, while Azim received only 23 votes.

A total of 77 members attended the sitting, and 76 members participated in the vote.

Parliament has not functioned properly since Nasheed's no-confidence motion was submitted five months ago. The parliament has remained in a legal deadlock without passing bills and resolutions.

Following Nasheed's resignation on Monday, work on the state budget and supplementary budget is planned for Tuesday's sitting.