JP wants Qasim as next Speaker of Majlis

The Jumhoory Party (JP) wants its founder Qasim Ibrahim as the next Speaker of People’s Majlis, says deputy leader of JP’s parliamentary group, MP Abdulla Riyaz.

Lawmakers, this Wednesday, submitted a no-confidence motion against current Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed. The motion was signed by 51 lawmakers, including 14 lawmakers from his own party – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

When asked by a reporter for a comment on the rumors Qasim will be nominated as the next Speaker of Majlis, Riyaz said “JP will be delighted” if Qasim was awarded such an opportunity.

“The JP fully supports him [Qasim Ibrahim] for the opportunity [speakership],” said Riyaz, speaking to press outside the People’s Majlis this Wednesday morning.

Riyaz said he personally wished to see Qasim as the next Speaker as a fellow JP lawmaker.

Riyaz said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), JP and Adhaalath Party (AP) is scheduled to hold a joint-parliamentary group meeting later this Wednesday, during which the lawmakers will discuss a possible candidate to replace Maseeh.

He said the meeting will also be attended by President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) and Vice President-elect Faisal Naseem, who themselves are lawmakers.