Majlis backs Jihad as new VP

People’s Majlis, on Wednesday afternoon, gave their approval to the new Vice President Abdulla Jihad.

51 lawmakers voted in approval of President Abdulla Yameen’s decision to make the former Minister of Finance his new Vice President, while 12 lawmakers voted to reject the decision.

Jihad was appointed VP on June 22 – becoming the 3rd Vice President since President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The letter by President Yameen, asking for Majlis to back his decision was sent the very same day.

Jihad was appointed the new VP after the arrest and imprisonment of former Vice President and Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor for major criminal offenses including conspiring to assassinate President Yameen and embezzling millions in state funds.

Jihad (L) being given his letter-of-appointment as the new VP, by President Abdulla Yameen. Photo: President's Office

President Yameen’s VP before that, his running-mate during the presidential campaign – Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed was kicked out of the government after a vote of no confidence, and is currently in UK, the leader of Maldives United Opposition.

Government-aligned lawmakers announced their backing for Jihad as the new VP during the debate carried out in the Majlis before the vote on Wednesday.

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.