Ahmed Saleem, commonly known as Redwave Saleem, was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament on Monday, a day after Ahmed Nazim resigned from the position ahead of a planned no-confidence vote.
Saleem secured 62 votes in the election held in Parliament, defeating Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, known as Fittey, who received 10 votes.
Saleem’s nomination was proposed by the People’s National Congress’ Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah and seconded by Baarashu MP Ibrahim Shujau. Ziyad was nominated by the Maldivian Democratic Party’s Parliamentary Group Leader and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, with the nomination seconded by Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer.
One of the most experienced members of the current Parliament, Saleem is serving his fourth term as a legislator. He has previously held several parliamentary positions and is regarded as one of the most experienced members of the current House.
The position of Deputy Speaker became vacant after Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim resigned. His resignation came ahead of a no-confidence vote scheduled for yesterday. The motion was submitted by the ruling PNC, which alleged that Nazim had acted on the basis of a particular political ideology and had sought to undermine the interests of Parliament.
Nazim has denied the allegations made against him by his party.
