Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem, member of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, securing 62 votes in a parliamentary vote held today.

The post had fallen vacant after the previous Deputy Speaker, Nazim, submitted his resignation yesterday ahead of a scheduled vote on his removal from office.

The PNC nominated Saleem for the position, while the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) put forward Hussain Ziyad as their candidate. A five-member committee comprising Members Husnee Mubarak, Ahmed Zameer, Dr Anara Naeem, Ibrahim Nazil, and Abdul Hannan was elected to oversee the voting process.

Saleem secured 62 votes against Hussain Ziyad's 10, with two votes declared invalid.

Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdullah congratulated Saleem on his election, expressing confidence that he would serve the 20th Parliament and the country with distinction, drawing on his experience in public service.