Abdul Raheem Abdulla Expresses Confidence in Bid for Speaker of Parliament
Photo: People’s Majlis
Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the Special Advisor to the President and parliamentarian-elect for the Fonadhoo Constituency, has assured of clinching the position of Parliament Speaker in the upcoming 20th People’s Majlis, scheduled to convene on May 28th.
His declaration came during a special ceremony held at Laamu Atoll’s Fonadhoo to mark his victory in the parliamentary elections held on the 21st of this month, securing the Fonadhoo Constituency seat.
Addressing supporters during the ceremony, Abdul Raheem’s son and Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, echoed his father’s optimism, affirming confidence in his ascent to the Speaker’s seat post-May 28th.
The 93 elected candidates from the recent polling are set to take their oaths for the 20th parliamentary term on May 28th, followed by the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker through a member poll.
With the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) securing a supermajority in the 20th term, the choice for Speaker and Deputy Speaker is expected to align with the party’s preferences. While Abdul Raheem is the sole public advocate for the Speaker’s position, the re-elected parliamentarian for Dhiggaru Constituency, Ahmed Nazim, remains a potential contender despite his current silence on the matter.
Abdul Raheem attributed his political journey’s success to the people of Fonadhoo, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. He stressed his commitment to their interests, promising to remember and serve them faithfully, regardless of his potential elevation.
Minister Faisal, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted forthcoming developments for Laamu Atoll, including resort projects and the transformation of Gan-Fonadhoo into a city, with plans for participation in the upcoming local council elections.
In the parliamentary polls, Abdul Raheem secured victory in Fonadhoo with a significant margin over his closest rival, Hussain Abu Bakuru of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), solidifying PNC’s dominance in Laamu Atoll.