Maldives has been elected to assume the prestigious Presidency of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Region, a tenure set to span the next three years.
The announcement was made following the CPA Asia Region Executive Committee meeting held in Barbados, where delegates formally cast their votes. Representing the Maldives in this significant capacity will be the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Ahmed Nazim, whose term will conclude at the 71st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
This appointment follows the conclusion of Sri Lanka's term and comes amidst unforeseen circumstances. According to CPA rules of procedure, Bangladesh was slated for this position; however, the country is currently without an elected parliament, presenting insurmountable obstacles to fulfilling the role.
The election of the Maldives is seen as a strong endorsement of its robust engagement within the Commonwealth parliamentary community and its dedicated efforts to champion the objectives of the CPA across the Asian region. The CPA, a venerable and highly active association within the Commonwealth, comprises over 180 national, regional, and state parliaments.
Its Asia Regional Headquarters is located in Islamabad, Pakistan.