MDP PG leader endorses MP Eva for deputy speaker

North-Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam, leader of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) parliamentary group, has endorsed fellow MP Eva Abdulla for deputy speaker.

MP Aslam, who has taken keenly to the prospect of himself being appointed to the position of parliament speaker, said this during an interview with RaajjeTV on Monday night.

Aslam said on the matter that North-Galolhu MP Eva is immensely competent for the position and a ‘distinctively fair-minded individual’.

MP Eva has represented her native constituency in parliament for two terms now, having been elected first in 2009, and again in 2014.

Following the election held on April 6th, Eva has been elected for a third time and is among only four women elected to the upcoming parliamentary term.

MP Aslam is among five parliamentarians who have expressed interest in presiding over parliament sittings.

Fellow MDP MPs Ali Azim and Ibrahim Shareef have also expressed interest in the position, which will be decided through an internal vote.

The party’s parliamentary group, which has amassed a majority in the 87-seat house with 65 seats, will field a single candidate.

The speaker and deputy speaker of the People’s Majlis is elected among parliamentarians through a secret vote.

The current speaker is Maamigilli MP Qasim Ibrahim, leader of the government coalition’s Jumhooree Party.