Majlis to decide fate of new VP this Wednesday

People’s Majlis will be making its decision on whether to back or reject the new Vice President Abdulla Jihad this Wednesday.

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom sent the letter asking for Majlis’s backing for his new VP on June 22, the day he was appointed to the post.

Debate regarding Abdulla Jihad as the new VP was carried out on the Majlis floor this Wednesday, with voting scheduled later the same day.

Speaking during the debate, ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmaker, Vilifushi MP Riyaz Rasheed said that Jihad was suitable for the VP position both in terms of his educational qualification as well as experience.

“The name sent by President Yameen to Majlis, Vice President Jihad served as Governor for a long period of time, in addition to serving as a member of Civil Service Commission and filling other posts within the state. Jihad is someone who can support the President and work with him to carry out the various developmental projects,” said Riyaz.

Keyodhoo MP Moosa Nizar Ibrahim also provided his backing to Jihad, saying that he was an individual who had provided the country innumerable service in its recent history.

“Many among us believe that Vice President Jihad is the leading expert in financial matters in recent history. It’s a good omen for such educated individuals in the country to offer their services,” said Nizar.

Jihad is President Yameen’s third VP since he came to office.

Former VP Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor was removed from his post after he was he became a suspect in the assassination attempt of President Yameen last year.

He is currently incarnated after being found guilty of planning and carrying out an assassination attempt of President by installing an explosive on the presidential speedboat

“Finifenma” and a number of other charges, with more still cases still pending.

The VP before him, President Yameen’s running-mate during his campaign – Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed was kicked out of the government after a vote of no confidence.

Jihad had been serving as Minister of Finance when he was appointed VP.