PPM will nominate a candidate for Speaker of Parliament: Adheeb

Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Ahmed Adheeb has said that the party will nominate a candidate for the post of Speaker of Parliament.

Adheeb said this during an interview with Sun Online tonight.

“Our stand on the matter is that PPM is obliged to put forward a candidate for Speaker of Parliament, since the people voted generously for us allowing us to win majority in the parliament,” said Adheeb.

Meanwhile, Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP), the second biggest party included in the government coalition, Gasim Ibrahim has also announced his decision to stand for election as Speaker of Parliament.

Gasim’s Spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said yesterday that Gasim made this decision because he was confident that he would have the full support of PPM.

Adheeb said, “No discussions have taken place regarding voting for a particular candidate as Speaker of Parliament. No party has approached our council for discussions in this regard. At the same time, every MP has the right to stand for this post. Gasim also has this right.”

Adheeb said that PPM will nominate a candidate for Speaker of Parliament after discussion by its council.

“We are the biggest party, the ruling party. We have senior members who have the relevant experience, education, and expertise,” he said.

The government coalition has won majority in the parliament following the election, held on 22 March. Preliminary results announced thus far show that PPM alone won 33 out of 85 seats.