Maldives' parliament Speaker, deputy fail re-election bid
Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker has been replaced by government candidates.
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By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
The incumbent Speaker of Parliament, Mohammed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem have lost failed their re-election bids.
Aslam, who was elected Speaker last year after the resignation of former President Mohammed Nasheed, contested the Hithadhoo North constituency which he had represented for the past three terms.
Saleem contested his Hoarafushi constituency and lost out to the ruling PNC candidate.
According to the provisional results, PNC candidate Mohammed Sinaan won the Hithadhoo North seat. The Hoarafushi seat was won by the government candidate Ali Moosa.
Aslam has been representing Addu in the Parliament since 2004 and is currently one of the most experienced members of Parliament.
Main opposition MDP appears to have lost major strongholds, with PNC wrestling support from the capital Male and major cities including Addu and Kulhudhuffushi. Preliminary results show MDP which holds majority in the current parliament will be represented by only just 11 members next term.
The ruling PPM/PNC coalition meanwhile, remains on course to secure super majority in the 93 constituents having won 69 seats already.
This victory would be a huge boost for incumbent president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who won the presidency in November last year.
