Falah rules out bid for deputy speaker post

Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), has said he will not contest for the position of Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis.

The position became vacant on Sunday following the resignation of Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim, who stepped down shortly before Parliament was due to consider a motion seeking his removal from office.

Since the submission of the motion against Nazim, discussions have been taking place within the ruling party regarding a successor. Falah had been among the names mentioned by members as a possible candidate for the post.

Local media had sought comment from Falah regarding reports that he was interested in the position. However, he was unavailable for comment at the time.

On Sunday, Falah addressed the speculation in a post on X.

“For the attention of the press. I am not running for the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament,” he wrote.

Despite his statement, reports indicated that Falah had previously expressed interest in the position and had engaged in discussions related to the vacancy.

Parliament had initially scheduled a sitting at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday to elect a new Deputy Speaker. However, the sitting was postponed after the PNC leadership was unable to reach a decision on a candidate.

The Parliament Secretariat later announced that the sitting would instead be held on Monday, when members are expected to elect a new Deputy Speaker.

The ruling PNC holds a majority in Parliament, making its nominee the likely successor to Nazim.