The opposition coalition, People's National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have announced to support the nomination of Hassan Afeef as Speaker of the new Parliament. The announcement was made at a press conference by the coalition.
Addressing the press conference, Deputy Leader of PNC Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik said the coalition decided to back Afeef's nomination after learning he is the candidate with the backing of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
President Solih revealed his support for Afeef, while speaking with the press after a gathering held with members of the outgoing parliament and incoming parliament, Wednesday night.
The main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which boasts super majority at the Parliament is preparing to field a candidate for the position of Parliament Speaker. MDP has secured 65 seats. Meanwhile, PPM-PNC coalition scraped just 8 seats.
The first sitting of the first session of the 19th parliament cycle has been scheduled for next Tuesday.