Speaker of the People's Majlis

The Speaker of the People's Majlis is the presiding officer of the unicameral legislature of the Republic of Maldives, known as the People's Majlis. As the highest-ranking official in the legislature, the Speaker plays a crucial role in overseeing the legislative process, maintaining order during debates, and representing the People's Majlis both domestically and internationally.

Speaker of the People's Majlis
Emblem of the People's Majlis
Flag of People's Majlis
Incumbent Abdul Raheem Abdulla since 28 May 2024
People's Majlis
Residence	Muraidhooge
Appointer	Elected among Members
Term length	5 Years
Formation	21 October 1933
First holder	Muhammad Fareed Didi
Salary	MVR 73,125
Website	majlis.gov.mv

Among the Members, a Speaker is elected to oversee the proceedings of the Majlis, ensuring order within the chamber and managing its administrative functions. In the event of a vacancy in the presidency, the Speaker assumes the role of acting president until a new governing body is elected. Additionally, a Deputy Speaker is appointed to support the Speaker and assume leadership of the Majlis in their absence or incapacity to fulfill their duties.

History

King Muhammad Shamsuddeen III established a council tasked with crafting the Constitution of the Maldives on March 9, 1931. After its completion, the constitution was officially put into effect on December 22, 1932. This foundational document paved the way for the inaugural Senate of the-then Sultanate of Maldive Islands, with its gatherings convened at the "Hakura Ganduvaru". Al Ameer Mohammed Farid Didi assumed the role of the first president or speaker of the Senate.

Since the Maldives adopted a multi-party democracy in 2008, the Speaker of the People's Majlis has been a pivotal figure in the country's political scene. They are elected by members of the Majlis and serve as the presiding officer during parliamentary sessions.^[1] The Speaker ensures that debates are conducted fairly, rules on procedural matters, and represents the Majlis in official capacities.

Speakers

Speakership		Portrait	Speaker	Party		Deputy Speaker	Notes
1	21 October 1933– 25 June 1942		Muhammad Fareed Didi		None	Unknown	[2]
2	27 June 1942– 29 October 1944		Ahmed Kamil Didi		None	Unknown	[2]
3	30 October 1944– 7 November 1945		Ibrahim Ali Didi		None	Unknown	[2]
4	8 November 1945– 3 March 1948		Ali Kuda Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu		None	Unknown	[2]
5	12 April 1948– 12 April 1952		Muhanmadu Naseeru Maniku		None	Unknown	[2]
6	13 April 1952– 21 October 1953		Malin Musaa Mafai Kalegefaanu		None	Unknown	[2]
7	1 March 1954– 3 October 1959		Ibrahim Fareed Didi		None	Unknown	[2]
8	3 October 1959– 1 August 1972		Ahmed Zaki		None	Unknown	[2][lower-alpha 1]
9	1 October 1972– 11 November 1982		Ahmed Shathir		None	Unknown	[2]
10	11 November 1982– 15 January 1988		Ibrahim Shihab		None	Unknown	[2]
11	14 February 1988– 22 February 1990		Abdulla Hameed		None	Unknown	[2][lower-alpha 2]
12	22 February 1990– 11 November 1993		Ahmed Zaki		None	Unknown	[3][lower-alpha 3]
13	11 November 1993– 13 September 2004		Abdulla Hameed		None	Abdul Rasheed Hussain (2000–2005)	[4][lower-alpha 4]
14	13 September 2004– 6 August 2008		Ahmed Zahir		Unknown	Ahmed Thasmeen Ali	[5]
15	12 August 2008– 28 May 2009		Mohamed Shihab		Jumhooree Party	Aneesa Ahmed	[6]
16	29 May 2009– 28 May 2014		Abdulla Shahid		Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party	Ahmed Nazim	[7]
17	29 May 2014– 1 November 2018		Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed		Progressive Party of Maldives	Moosa Manik	[8]
18	1 November 2018– 28 May 2019		Qasim Ibrahim		Jumhooree Party	Moosa Manik	[9]
19	29 May 2019– 13 November 2023		Mohamed Nasheed		Maldivian Democratic Party	Eva Abdulla	[10]
20	13 November 2023- 28 May 2024		Mohamed Aslam		Maldivian Democratic Party	Ahmed Saleem	[11][12]
21	28 May 2024 Incumbent		Abdul Raheem Abdulla		People's National Congress	Ahmed Nazim	[13][14]

References

1. Raisina (3 June 2024). "Maldives: Majlis elects Nasheed Speaker, maiden resolution invites Modi to address the House". Observer Research Foundation. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
2. "Past Speaker". People's Majlis. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
3. "Pakistan and the World (Chronology: July - September 1990)". Pakistan Institute of International Affairs. 43. October 1990.
4. "Abdulla Hameed, Speaker of the People's Majlis of the Republic of Maldives, will visit China". Embassy of China in Papa New Guinea. 10 October 2001. Retrieved 10 August 2001. At the invitation of Chairman Li Peng of the NPC Standing Committee, a delegation of the People's Majlis of the Republic of Maldives led by Hon. Abdulla Hameed, Speaker of the People's Majlis of the Republic of Maldives, will pay an official goodwill visit to China from August 16 to 20.
5. "Speakers of BD, Maldives arrive". Dawn. 20 August 2005. Retrieved 14 June 2024. Speaker of the People's Majlis of Maldives Ahmed Zahir and Deputy Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Muhammad Akhtar Hamid Siddiqui arrived here on Friday to participate in the CPA Asia Region National and Provincial Legislatures' conference
6. Shaany, Aishath (15 October 2019). "Ex-Speaker Shihab appointed as Advisor to the president". Raajje TV. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
7. "Election of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (Article 19 of the Statutes and Rules 6, 7 and 8 of the Rules of the Governing Council) Candidature of Mr. Abdulla Shahid (Maldives)" (PDF). Inter-Parliamentary Union. 24 August 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
8. "Speaker of Parliament sworn in as JSC member". The President's Office. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
9. Ali, Humaam (1 November 2018). "Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim elected as parliament speaker". Raajje TV. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
10. Ali, Humaam (29 May 2019). "Nasheed elected parliament speaker". Raajje TV. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
11. "19th Parliament Speaker". People's Majlis. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
12. "19th Parliament Deputy Speaker". People's Majlis. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
13. "20th Parliament Speaker". People's Majlis. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
14. "20th Parliament Deputy Speaker". People's Majlis. Retrieved 14 June 2024.

Notes

1. First term of office
2. First term of office
3. Second term of office
4. 2nd term of office