Eydhafushi constituency MP, Ahmed “Redwave” Saleem has been named as the parliament’s minority leader.

Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed announced this at Monday’s sitting. MP Saleem was named as the Majlis’ minority leader as opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) holds the second highest number of seats in parliament.

While PPM initially had five representatives when the 19th parliament convened work last May, this increased to six following Faresmaathoda constituency MP Mohamed Latheef’s decision to join the party; he was previously an independent member.

MP Latheef joined PPM back in November 2019.

In addition to the six PPM lawmakers, the current People’s Majlis comprises of 65 MPs from main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and five from its coalition partner Jumhooree Party, while opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has three and two members, respectively. There are six independent members.