Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will be choosing its candidate for speaker and deputy speaker at a meeting at Dharubaaruge, on Monday night.

The main ruling party stated that the ceremony will begin at 9:30pm.

MDP’s parliamentary group will be taking a vote to choose their candidate. Previously, MDP did not take a vote to choose a candidate for speaker or deputy speaker due to the party lacking majority.

Five MDP members have expressed interest in the role of speaker. They are North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam, Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam, Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef, Vilufushi MP-elect Hassan Afeef, and Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim.

Out of them, the competition between MP Aslam and Afeef seems to be the most heated.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that Afeef is “one of the most capable persons” for the role of speaker, and RaajjeMV received information that the President has been lobbying for Afeef inside the MDP’s parliamentary group.

Meanwhile, MDP leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed has revealed his support for Aslam and has been working to gain the necessary votes to get him elected as speaker.

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.