According to local media outlet, Mihaaru, the government will appoint 39 state ministers and 50 deputy ministers to office shortly.
Although the President’s office has not officially confirmed this, Mihaaru has received credible information that coalition parties have been invited to make nominations for the ministerial posts. Additionally, some of the coalition parties have given their suggestions for this.
The appointments will follow the same proportions as the cabinet of ministers was based on. These proportions were agreed between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the leaders of coalition parties prior to the presidential election.
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will account for 40 percent of the appointments, Jumhooree Party (JP) will account for 25 percent while Adhaalath Party gives in 15 percent. The faction of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will constitute 20 percent of the ministerial appointments.
MDP: 15 State Ministers and 20 Deputy Ministers
JP: 10 State Ministers and 12 Deputy Ministers
Adhaalath Party: 6 State Ministers and 8 Deputy Ministers
Maumoon Reform Movement: 8 State Ministers and 10 Deputy Ministers
While the total number of political posts during the presidency of Yameen Abdul Gayoom is estimated to have exceeded 700, President Solih aims to cut this figure down. President Solih’s former spokesperson, Mariya Ahmed Didi, expresses this during the transitionary period. According to Mariya, there are plans to cut down political spending by 16 percent.