Ahmed Saleem, the Member of Parliament for Eydhafushi constituency, has been elected to the post of Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis.

Saleem was elected to the position during today's sitting of the People's Majlis after contesting against Vaikaradhoo constituency MDP MP Hussain Ziyad, who also competed for the post.

The post of Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis became vacant following the resignation of Dhiggaru constituency PNC MP Ahmed Nazim, who held the position until yesterday.

Nazim resigned from the post just moments before a motion submitted by his own party, PNC, signed by 73 MPs to remove him from office was scheduled to begin in parliament. The motion alleged that he was not discharging his official responsibilities in accordance with the law, abusing his official influence for undue advantages, and encouraging the disruption of the interests of the People's Majlis.

In today's sitting of the People's Majlis held to elect a new Deputy Speaker, MP Saleem's name was proposed by PNC PG Leader and Inguraidhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Falah, and seconded by Baarashu constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau.

Meanwhile, MP Ziyad's name was proposed by Hanimaadhoo constituency MDP MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa and seconded by Thoddoo constituency MDP MP Hussain Sameer.

MP Saleem was elected to the post of Deputy Speaker after securing 62 votes in the secret ballot taken for the election. MP Ziyad, who competed against Saleem, received 10 votes, while two invalid votes were recorded.

The secret ballot to elect the Deputy Speaker was overseen by a special five-member committee selected by the parliament in accordance with its rules of procedure.

Passed following a proposal by Inguraidhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Falah, the committee comprises:

  • Husnee Mubarik (PNC MP for Manadhoo constituency)
  • Ibrahim Shujau (PNC MP for Baarashu constituency)
  • Anara Naeem (PNC MP for Huraa constituency)
  • Ibrahim Nazil (MDP MP for Hithadhoo South constituency)
  • Abdul Hannan Abubakuru (Independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency)