Fathimath Niusha, the deputy secretary general of parliament, has been appointed as the secretary general.

She was appointed with 33 votes at Monday’s sitting.

At the start of the sitting, Speaker Abdulla Maseeh said that two qualified persons applied for the position when the opportunity was first opened. However, only Niusha applied the second time around.

Speaker Maseeh said Niusha was evaluated by a committee he had selected, which included Kanditheemu MP Mohamed Hussain, Holhudhoo MP Ali Mohamed, and Faresmaathodaa MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

The Speaker said the committee has approved her and so called for a vote without a debate.

A Secretary General needs to be over the age of 25, have completed a higher education in the field, and have the capability to give recommendations and negotiate with the parliament.

MVR 50,000 of salary and benefits will be given to a Secretary General.

Previous Secretary General Ahmed Mohamed resigned on February 4, after 12 years in the position following the political turmoil that erupted after the Supreme Court ruling on February 1.