Three MDP lawmakers express interest for post of deputy speaker

Three lawmakers have expressed interest in contesting for the vacant post of the parliament’s deputy speaker on behalf of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The post became vacant this morning when former deputy speaker Eva Abdulla resigned from the post while the no-confidence motion filed against Eva by MDP was proceeding at Sunday’s sitting.

Subsequently, another sitting has been slated for 8:30pm Sunday night to elect a new deputy speaker.

Lawmakers from MDP, which holds the majority in the party, have expressed interest in the post of deputy speaker.

An MDP lawmaker identified those who expressed interest to Sun as Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam and Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir.

The lawmaker also noted hearing rumors of Thulhaadhoo MP Hisaan Hussain also expressing interest in the post; rumors which the lawmaker said cannot be confirmed at the moment.

It is MDP’s parliamentary group that will decide which lawmaker will represent MDP in the election of the new deputy speaker.