While the Joint Opposition Parliamentary Group has decided to nominate MP Qasim Ibrahim for the post of parliament speaker after impeaching Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that he has full confidence in the Jumhooree Party (JP) leader.

Nasheed said this via twitter on Monday.

“I have no doubt that Qasim will manage the parliament impeccably,” reads the tweet sent out in Dhivehi.

A fourth no-confidence motion against current Speaker Maseeh was submitted to parliament last Wednesday, with 51 signatures.

At a meeting later that day, the parliamentary group decided to nominate the business tycoon and Maamigilli constituency MP for the post.

Nasheed’s support for Qasim comes after immense criticism from the public, questioning whether he is the most qualified for the job. Those criticizing the decision include members of Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

While the opposition is to nominate Qasim, ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s deputy leader and Fonadhoo constituency MP Abdul Raheem Abdul has announced interest in the post as well.