Parliament Assigns MPs to Preside Over Sittings in Absence of Speaker and Deputy
Parliament has designated five of its longest-serving members to preside over sittings in the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The decision, announced today by newly-sworn Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, adheres to Article 44 of the parliament’s regulations, which prioritises MPs based on their length of service.
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The five selected MPs are: Meedhoo MP Ahmed Shiyam Mohamed (19 years and three months of service), Maamigli MP Qasim Ibrahim (15 years and three months), Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem (15 years), Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (15 years), and Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thoriq (10 years).
In instances where two lawmakers have served for the same duration, Article 44 stipulates that the older two will take precedence. This provision ensures a clear and unambiguous line of succession in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Interestingly, Siyam, Qasim, and Abdul Ghafoor have all previously presided over sittings during the 19th parliamentary assembly in similar circumstances. Saleem, while also a member of the 19th assembly, was not among those designated to preside at the time.
