Ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is scheduled to hold its internal vote to select its candidate for Speaker of Parliament this Monday night.
There are two MDP candidates competing for the position of Speaker of Parliament; Vilufushi MP-elect Hassan Afeef and North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam.
A source from within MDP reports the party’s parliamentary group will convene for the vote to select its candidate for Speaker and Deputy Speaker inside Dharubaaruge at 9:30 pm this Monday.
Members of MDP’s parliamentary group have already been sent invites for the meeting.
The race to select the next Speaker of the Parliament has been a polarizing experience for the ruling party. Leader of MDP, President Mohamed Nasheed has announced his support for Mohamed Aslam, while Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced his support for Hassan Afeef.
MOHAMED ASLAM
Member of parliament for North Hithadhoo constituency
MDP’s parliamentary group leader
Serving his fourth term as a member of parliament
Close ally to Mohamed Nasheed, MDP’s leader and former Maldivian president
Manager of the Jazeera Raajje campaign
HASSAN AFEEF
Member of parliament-elect for Vilufushi constituency
Served as member of parliament for Th. Atoll constituency from 1990-2009
Served as Minister of Home Affairs during President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration
One of the founding members of MDP
Representative of the 16th Parliament at Judicial Service Commission