North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam has said he has secured enough votes to be appointed as parliament speaker.

In an interview with RaajjeTV, MP Aslam said that he has been talking about his interest in becoming speaker with other MPs and that many have given their support.

Aslam said that he expressed interest in the position due to the request of many MPs.

While President Ibrahim Mohaemd Solih said that Vilufushi MP-elect Hassan Afeef is one of the most capable persons for the role of speaker, Aslam said he does not believe that the President is vouching for a specific person to become speaker and that his statement means that Afeef is a good candidate.

Along with Afeef and Aslam, five members of MDP have expressed interest in becoming speaker. The others are Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam, Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim, and Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef.

The vote to appoint the new speaker will be taken at the special inaugural ceremony of the 19th parliament on May 28. The Constitution dictates that a secret vote be taken unless MPs vote for another option.