Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the 19th parliament proceedings will be lawful and that the public will see a difference.

Nasheed said this while speaking to journalists after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) nominated him for the position of speaker.

At MDP’s parliamentary group meeting on Monday night, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam nominated party leader Nasheed for speaker. While Nasheed declined, he later accepted after Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef expressed his support. Afterwards, the present members unanimously voted to elect Nasheed speaker for the 19th parliament.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Nasheed said that he accepted his nomination after considering the difficult situation within the party and out of respect to the members’ wishes.

Nasheed assured that the new parliament will adhere to Islamic principles and work to fulfill the government’s pledges and meet people’s expectations.

He said that the parliament will also encourage a competitive political system in its decision making process.