PNC Nominates Abdulraheem and Nazim for Key Parliamentary Roles

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has nominated Fonadhoo MP-elect Abdulraheem Abdulla and Dhiggaru MP-elect Ahmed Nazim for the roles of Speaker and Vice Speaker, respectively, for the upcoming 20th parliamentary assembly.

The nominations were confirmed during a meeting at Muliaage, attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, top officials of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the PNC’s parliamentary-elect members. The meeting saw unanimous agreement on the proposed names.

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The selection of Abdulraheem Abdulla for the Speaker position had been widely anticipated. Speculation about his candidacy for this role had circulated even before he began his campaign for the Fonadhoo seat. 

Despite these rumours, Abdulraheem has consistently maintained that any decision regarding the Speaker’s position would be made by President Muizzu and that he would respect the President’s choice. He has also asserted that he harbours no personal agenda and is not actively seeking the position.

Ahmed Nazim, who has been nominated for the Vice Speaker role, previously served as the Speaker of the 18th parliamentary assembly. His tenure was cut short when he lost his seat following a court ruling that sentenced him to 25 years in prison for corruption.

With these nominations, the PNC’s representation in the 20th parliamentary assembly will rise to 74 members, bolstered by the inclusion of seven independent MPs who have since joined the party.

The new parliamentary assembly is set to commence on Tuesday next week. The first sitting, following the oath-taking ceremony for the members, will focus on electing the Speaker and Vice Speaker.