Opposition party, People’s National Congress (PNC) has decided to endorse Hassan Afeef- MP-elect for Vilufushi constituency in the 19th parliament- for speaker.
The party made the announcement at a press conference held late Wednesday night, with deputy leader Ahmed Nihan saying that it believes that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s decision “will be the right one.”
The president had, after a dinner hosted by current parliament speaker Qasim Ibrahim, stated that Afeef “is one of the most capable persons for the position of parliament speaker,” despite a number of MP-elects from his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) having expressed interest in the position.
While PNC is part of the ‘Progressive Congress’ coalition with former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Nihan claimed that “both the parties support the president.”
However, PPM’s deputy Ahmed Shiyam denied that the party has made a decision on the matter.
Noting that the ruling party has “super majority” in parliament, Shiyam said that he believes that the party will put forward one nomination for the post.
“Our aim is to cooperate with the government, in issues related to the people and nation. Is this will provide the best result, our actions will be as such,” he added.
A credible source earlier told RaajjeMV that President Solih has been lobbying for Afeef within MDP’s parliamentary group, while party leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed has been lobbying for North-Hithadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Aslam.
Along with Afeef and Aslam, five members of main ruling Maldivians Democratic Party (MDP) have expressed interest in the role of speaker for the 19th parliament. The others are Addu-Meedhoo constituency MP Rozaina Adam, Maradhoo MP constituency Ibrahim Shareef, and central-Henveiru MP constituency Ali Azim.
