PPM wants parliament speakership: President

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) wants a member of the party to be next Speaker of the Parliament.

President made the statement while speaking at a PPM rally to acknowledge the support by its members during the recent parliamentary election.

Gasim Ibrahim, leader of coalition partner Jumhoory Party has also expressed his intention to stand for the parliament speaker position.

President Yameen said that PPM seeks the speakership to ensure that the parliament functions according to the constitution.

“This is why we want the speakership. Because the parliament is an institution that should facilitate the progress we want,” President Yameen said.

Speaking at last night's rally, President Yameen thanked the coalition members for their support in the parliamentary election. Coalition parties won 53 of the 85 seats in parliament; where the ruling PPM secured 33 seats, Jumhoory Party 15 seats and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) 5 seats.

In the future, the government’s manifesto will shape the country’s landscape, the President said. He acknowledge that the government is aware of the people's frustration over the existing health system.

“I accept these complaints. I would like to tell the people that we will prioritize the health area,” President Yameen said.