Questions raised over whether PNC members backed Fittey in deputy speaker election

Questions have been raised over whether some PNC members voted for Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad (Fittey) in the election for the new deputy speaker of the People’s Majlis.

The vacant deputy speaker seat was contested by PNC MP Ahmed Saleem (RedWave Saleem).

A total of 74 members voted, with Saleem winning the post with 62 votes. Ziyad received 10 votes, while two ballots were declared invalid. The Majlis voting record shows 65 “yes” votes cast in the session, with one member not voting .

Only eight of the 12 MDP MPs attended and participated in the vote. Two independent MPs and PNC members also took part. Members representing the JP, MDA and MNP did not attend Monday’s sitting.

This means two non‑MDP members voted for Fittey. At the same time, some MPs questioned the presence of two invalid ballots.

Some MPs who spoke to Sun said certain PNC members may have violated the party’s whip line. Apart from the MDP and PNC, only two independent MPs participated in the vote.

The vote was conducted by secret ballot, and it is not known which MPs voted against the PNC’s decision.

The deputy speaker’s post became vacant after the incumbent resigned on Monday.

Nazim resigned as vice‑speaker after the PNC parliamentary group submitted a no‑confidence motion against him.