Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is to decide on its nominee for parliament speaker, on May 27.

A credible source told RaajjeMV that a parliamentary group meeting has been scheduled for May 27, where the party is to decide on its nomination.

While its nominations for parliament speaker and deputy will be decided through a vote in the parliamentary group, this is the first time that the party has a chance to appoint a representative to the post.

Five ruling party members have expressed interested for the post of speaker in the 19th parliament. They are North-Hithadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Aslam, MP for Addu-Meedhoo constituency, Rozaina Adam, MP for Maradhoo constituency, Ibrahim Shareef, Vilufushi MP Afeef and central-Henveiru constituency MP Ali Azim.

However, the biggest competition is between Aslam and Afeef.

While MDP’s leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed has indicated support for Aslam, incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reportedly being “lobbying” for Afeef.

In an interview on Wednesday, the president noted that both Afeef and Aslam are experienced parliamentarians and that he believes that Afeef is "one of the most" capable people to be speaker.

The new parliament will take oath of office on May 28.