Eydhafushi Constituency MP Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Ruling party and super majority PNC members signed a no-confidence motion against former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, with him having resigned from the position yesterday.
People's National Congress (PNC) submitted Saleem's name for the vacant position during today's Parliament sitting. Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) submitted Vaikaradhoo Constituency MP Hussain Ziyad's (Fittey) name for the position.
The election that was held during today's sitting resulted in Saleem receiving 62 votes in favor, with Ziyad receiving 10. Two of the ballots were deemed invalid.
Saleem, who is serving his fourth term as the Eydhafushi Constituency MP is currently in Saudi Arabia on a Hajj pilgrimage. He is one of the most senior members currently in Parliament.
Internal debates within PNC were held as to who should be elected for the position. Rumors had spread stating that PG Leader Ibrahim Falah, Baarah Constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau, Mahibadhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) and Hulhudhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Shahid were the names of interest for the position.
However, PNC members came to agree last night that Saleem should become the Deputy Speaker.
The election of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament was conducted between a committee of five members. They were Manadhoo Constituency MP Husnee Mubarik, Baarah Constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau, Huraa Constituency MP Anara Naeem, South Hithadhoo Constituency MP Ibrahim Nazil and Thulhaadhoo Constituency MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
Nazim has denied the allegations against him and has released a statement regarding the matter. According to the resolution submitted to the parliament with the signatures of 73 parliamentary group members of PNC to pass the no-confidence motion against Nazim, one of the reasons cited for the no-confidence motion is the allegation that he uses the influence of his position to obtain undue advantages. The second allegation stated in the resolution is that he encourages the disruption of the parliament's harmony and evades responsibility.
According to Nazim, he fulfilled his role as the Deputy Speaker with honesty and fairness, and within the rules of the law. He said that under no circumstances has he evaded the responsibility of his position.
Nazim secured the post of Deputy Speaker after receiving 80 votes in the vote taken among the members of the parliament. MDP's Maradhoo Constituency Member Ahmed Didi, who contested against Nazim, received 12 votes.
While the decision was made to remove him from the post of Deputy Speaker, he had also previously served as the Deputy Speaker in the 17th Parliament.
