Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Eva resigns
This development, while anticipated, stirred further debates within the Parliament, with objections from members of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP).
In the dynamic realm of Maldivian politics during the month of November, a series of consequential events unfolded, ushering in a new era with the election of a President, and concurrently, placing the Parliament Speaker and Vice-Speaker under the spotlight as they grappled with impending no-confidence motions.
As the political landscape grew increasingly tense, Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed made a strategic move by resigning from his position ahead of the scheduled no-confidence motion. This decision, although not without its challenges, marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding political drama.
Complicating matters further, the absence of the Vice-Speaker, who was on medical leave, resulted in procedural delays within the Parliament. The ramifications of this extended beyond mere procedural intricacies, causing crucial sessions, including those focused on deliberating the budget for the upcoming year 2024, to be left in abeyance.
Following Nasheed's departure, Mohamed Aslam assumed the mantle of the Speaker of the Parliament, stepping into a role fraught with the task of navigating the political landscape through uncharted waters. The spotlight then shifted to Vice-Speaker Eva Abdulla, who, despite persistent rumours of her resignation since November, continued to hold her position until December.
On the 3rd of December 2023, during an extended 30-minute defence statement within the latest Parliamentary sitting, Vice-Speaker Eva Abdulla formally announced her resignation. This development, while anticipated, stirred further debates within the Parliament, with objections from members of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP). Nevertheless, the Speaker accepted her resignation, triggering the scheduling of an immediate session on the same day to fill the void left by the departing Vice-Speaker.
The ensuing competition for this significant role drew the participation of three MDP members: Meedho MP Rozaina Adam, Horafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, and Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir. The selection process carried out through a meticulous secret ballot, culminated in Horafushi MP Saleem securing victory with an impressive 51 votes. His appointment as the official Deputy Speaker of the Parliament marked the denouement of a day filled with political manoeuvring and highlighted the inherent fluidity of the Maldives' political landscape as it approached the conclusion of 2023.
