# 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.
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. The Speaker ensures that debates are conducted fairly, rules on procedural matters, and represents the Majlis in official capacities.

## Speakers

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