RaajjeMV has learnt that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been campaigning for Hassan Afeef, for the post of parliament speaker.

A credible source told RaajjeMV that the president has been “lobbying” for the MP-elect for Vilufushi constituency, even within Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s parliamentary group.

According to the source, the incumbent president is working to get the required 45 votes to get Afeef elected as the Speaker of the 19th parliament.

Afeef was first elected as a parliament representative for Thaa atoll in 1989, and remained a lawmaker until 2009. He was also a member of the first-ever Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

While President Solih is said to be campaigning for Afeef, five lawmakers from MDP have expressed interest in the post. They are; Afeef, Central-Henveiru constituency MP Ali Azim, North-Hithadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Aslam, Maradhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Shareef, with Addu-Meedhoo constituency MP Rozaina Adam; the only woman to have expressed interest in the post thus far.

The party’s leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed has named Aslam as “someone qualified” to be speaker, and has been lobbying for him.

Despite difference of opinion between Nasheed and Solih, the source said that there has been “no change” in their relationship.

The main ruling party’s parliamentary group is in disagreement, on the procedures in electing a speaker and deputy. Given that a number of its MPs have expressed interest in the post, some of them believe that it should be decided through “a secret vote,” while others argue that MDP has always been transparent in such matters.