The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has appointed lawmakers to key positions within its parliamentary group. Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo, was selected as the leader of the MDP parliamentary group, while Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad and Manadhoo MP Ahmed Didi were appointed as deputy parliamentary group leaders.
Mohamed Ibrahim, the MP for North Galolhu, secured the secretary-general position of the parliamentary group, with Maavah MP Ahmed Shakir set to fill the role of deputy secretary-general. Additionally, Hussain Sameer, the MP for Thoddoo, was appointed as the chief whip, alongside Kanditheemu lawmaker Ameen Faisal and Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad, who were appointed whips.
The MDP, which previously held a supermajority in the 19th parliament, faced an unexpected setback in the recent parliamentary elections, securing only 12 seats in the 93-member parliament. The 20th parliament, sworn in on Tuesday, will witness a supermajority of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). The PNC won 66 seats in the April parliamentary elections, with nine independent lawmakers subsequently joining the party, solidifying a clear supermajority with a dominating 75 seats in parliament.
The PNC has also secured the support of Jumhooree Party (JP) leader MP Gasim Ibrahim, Maldives National Party (MNP) leader MP Mohamed Nazim, Maldives Democratic Alliance (MDA) leader MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, and MDA’s MP for Velidhoo, Mohamed Abbas. This consolidation brings the total number of government-aligned seats in Parliament to 79 out of 93 seats.
