During the first meeting of the 19th session of the Parliament, former President and Central Mahchangolhi MP, Mohamed Nasheed was elected as the Speaker of Parliament.

86 of the newly elected MPs for the 19th session of the Parliament were sworn in tonight, with the exception of Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Riza was absent from the ceremony since he was on a Umra Pilgrimage.

The meeting during which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament was voted in was presided over by Meedhoo MP, Ahmed Siyam. During the meeting, a five member committee was suggested by Alifushi MP, Mohamed Rasheed Hussain, to oversee the works to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which was passed unanimously.

The committee consists of; Thulhadhoo MP, Hisaan Hussain (MDP), Isdhoo MP, Ali Hameed (JP), Naifaru MP, Ahmed Shiyam (PPM) and Maavah MP, Mohamed Saeed (PNC) along with Villingilli MP, Saud Hussain (Independent).

North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam submitted former President Mohamed Nasheed's name to be elected for Speaker and was backed by Central Henveiru MP, Ali Azim. On the other hand, Mahibadhoo MP, Ahmed Thariq submitted Maamigilli MP, Qasim Ibrahim's name for Speaker and was backed by Faresmaathodaa MP, Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

A secret vote was first cast to elect the Speaker of Parliament, which was won by Central Mahchangolhi MP, Mohamed Nasheed with a total of 67 votes. The second contender for Speaker, MP Qasim Ibrahim received 17 votes.

In a surprise move, MDP frontrunners for Speaker, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam and Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef had withdrawn their names and nominated President Nasheed. The decision was backed by the party who then issued a whip line in favour of it.