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.
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.
^"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.
^"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