MP Saleem elected new Deputy Speaker of parliament

MP for Hoarafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem has been elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis.

The parliament sitting to elect the new Deputy Speaker was held on Sunday night. The sitting, held as per Article 82 (a) of the Maldivian constitution, began at 08:30pm.

51 out of the 74 lawmakers present at the sitting voted in favor of electing MP Saleem as the new Deputy Speaker of parliament.

MP for Kaashidhoo constituency Abdulla Jabir contested against MP Saleem for the seat. However, he fell short with 23 votes.

Saleem also won the vote held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group (PG) to elect a Deputy Speaker of the parliament, on Sunday evening. Results showed that MP Saleem led the votes with 26 members having voted in his favor.

MP for Addu Meedhoo constituency Rozaina Adam trailed close with 23 votes in favor, and MP Jabir falling short with just four votes.

A new deputy parliament speaker was elected following the resignation of MP for North Galolhu constituency, Eva Abdulla, from her post earlier on Sunday.

Eva presented her letter of resignation during Sunday's parliament setting, while the no-confidence motion against her was proceeding.

The MDP filed the no-confidence motion against Eva at the People’s Majlis with the signatures of 50 lawmakers. The notice of the motion was sent to Eva and the parliament members on November 16.

Eva spoke on her behalf during the sitting before delivering her letter of resignation.