Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has been elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, securing a decisive majority in a vote held during Monday’s parliamentary sitting.
Saleem, a senior member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the country, received 62 votes in a secret ballot conducted among members of parliament. His challenger, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, secured 10 votes.
The election was held following the resignation of former Deputy Speaker and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim, who stepped down from the post a day earlier amid mounting pressure from within the ruling party.
Before the vote, parliament approved the nomination of the two candidates and appointed a five-member committee to oversee the election process.
Saleem’s appointment places one of the Majlis’ most experienced members in the chamber’s second-highest parliamentary position. The businessman-turned-politician has served continuously since the 17th People’s Majlis and is currently serving his fourth consecutive parliamentary term.
Outside politics, Saleem is widely known as the founder and owner of Redwave, one of the Maldives’ largest retail chains.
Notably, the newly elected Deputy Speaker was not present during the vote, as he is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla congratulated Saleem following the result, describing him as a lawmaker with extensive parliamentary experience.
Abdul Raheem expressed confidence that Saleem’s knowledge of parliamentary procedures and years of service would enable him to make a significant contribution to both the Majlis and the country in his new role.
The election comes against the backdrop of the sudden resignation of Ahmed Nazim, whose departure followed the submission of a resolution by the ruling PNC seeking his removal from office.
The resolution accused Nazim of misusing the influence of his position, creating divisions within parliament, and failing to carry out the responsibilities expected of the Deputy Speaker. It also alleged that he had acted with political bias and had become an obstacle to members attempting to carry out their constitutional duties.
Nazim has strongly denied the allegations.
In a statement shared on social media after his resignation, he maintained that he had carried out his responsibilities fairly, honestly and within the boundaries of the law. He rejected claims that he had abused his authority or acted in a partisan manner.
Despite disputing the accusations, Nazim said he chose to resign after fellow members of the ruling party requested him to do so, describing the decision as the appropriate democratic course of action.
Saleem now assumes the role at a time when the ruling PNC holds a supermajority in the 20th People’s Majlis, giving the government significant legislative influence as it advances its policy agenda.
His election is expected to strengthen the ruling party’s grip on the parliamentary leadership, alongside Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, as the Majlis continues work on key legislative and national development priorities.
