Abdul Raheem Abdullah was elected Speaker of the 20th Parliament of the Maldives with 71 votes in a secret ballot held during the first session of the new Parliament today. He defeated MDP Hithadhoo South Constituency Member Ibrahim Nazil, who received 14 votes. Out of 85 valid votes, 7 were invalid.
Abdul Raheem Abdullah, who has previously served in the 17th and 18th Parliaments, is currently President Dr. Muizzu's special advisor. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group, which holds 75 seats, had endorsed Abdul Raheem for the position. However, he received 4 votes fewer than the total number of PNC members.
In the same session, Dhiggaru Constituency Member Ahmed Nazim was elected Vice-Speaker of the 20th Parliament with 80 votes, also through a secret ballot. He competed against MDP Maradhoo Constituency Member Ahmed Didi, who garnered 12 votes.
Ahmed Nazim, who has served in the 16th, 17th, and 18th Parliaments, received 5 votes more than the total number of PNC members, indicating cross-party support for his election.
Abdul Raheem Abdullah, who has previously served in the 17th and 18th Parliaments, is currently President Dr. Muizzu's special advisor. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group, which holds 75 seats, had endorsed Abdul Raheem for the position. However, he received 4 votes fewer than the total number of PNC members.
In the same session, Dhiggaru Constituency Member Ahmed Nazim was elected Vice-Speaker of the 20th Parliament with 80 votes, also through a secret ballot. He competed against MDP Maradhoo Constituency Member Ahmed Didi, who garnered 12 votes.
Ahmed Nazim, who has served in the 16th, 17th, and 18th Parliaments, received 5 votes more than the total number of PNC members, indicating cross-party support for his election.
