Ahmed Saleem, the member of parliament for Eydhafushi, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, securing the position through a secret ballot over his competitor, Hussain Ziyad, the member for Vaikaradhoo.
The leadership contest concluded with Saleem capturing 62 votes, decisively overtaking Ziyad, who received 10 votes, according to the official tally. A total of 74 members participated in the legislative vote, with two ballots ultimately deemed invalid. Saleem's election establishes him as the second deputy speaker to serve during the current 20th session of the parliament.
The election of a new deputy speaker was necessitated after Ahmed Nazim, the member for Dhiggaru, abruptly resigned. Nazim stepped down from the role just as the parliament had decided to advance proceedings for a motion to officially remove him from his post.
To oversee the electoral proceedings, the parliament formed a dedicated five-member committee, an initiative proposed by Ibrahim Falah, the member for Inguraidhoo, and approved with the backing of 65 present members. Maintaining institutional clarity and oversight, the special committee was composed of Husnee Mubarik, the member for Manadhoo; Ibrahim Shujau, the member for Baarashu; Dr Anara Naeem, the member for Huraa; Ibrahim Nazil, the member for South Hithadhoo; and Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the member for Thulhaadhoo.
A seasoned legislator, Saleem was first elected to the parliament in 2009. Following his initial term, he successfully secured reelection in 2014, 2019, and most recently in 2024, currently representing the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) during the ongoing 20th parliamentary session.