Kinbidhoo constituency MP Abdulla Riyaz has resigned from his position as political advisor to opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim.
Riyaz confirmed his resignation on Thursday, adding that he made the decision due to having been appointed leader of the Jumhooree Party’s parliamentary group.
Riyaz was appointed leader of the party’s parliamentary group on November 12th, replacing party founder Qasim.
Qasim resigned from leading the parliamentary group after having been elected speaker of the People’s Majlis, Maldives’ unicameral parliament.
Riyaz, who rose to prominence as commissioner of police, had been serving as deputy leader of the party until his tenure expired while serving a prison sentence for obstruction of justice.
Other advisors to Jumhooree Party leader Qasim are former vice president Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and former managing director of the State Trading Organization, Adam Azim.