The newly-elected Parliament signifies a momentous breakthrough, with parliamentarians now representing a total of 93 constituencies. The Parliament consists of five parties; People's National Congress Party (PNC) which is the ruling part, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which is the opposition party, Jumhooree Party (JP), Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Maldives National Party (MNP).
75 members representing PNC
Out of the 91 parliamentarians affiliated with various parties, PNC achieved a significant victory by securing 75 seats, thereby attaining a super-majority. While 66 candidates represented PNC contested in the parliamentary elections and successfully secured positions in the Parliament, nine candidates who competed and were elected in the elections individually joined PNC.
Following PNC significant achievement, MDP MDP experienced a substantial setback in the parliamentary elections, losing several long-held seats. Despite boasting 65 parliamentarians in the previous term, the party now only holds 12 seats in the new Parliament.
The party which secured the third-highest number of seats are MDA, securing 2 seats. Meanwhile, candidates of MDA and JP secured one seat each.
Young parliamentarians, 67 new members
Amongst the 93 parliamentarians, 67 are newcomers, with a notable decrease in the number of female representatives compared to the previous term, which featured four female parliamentarians. This year, three out of the 43 female candidates succeeded in securing parliamentary seats.
The female candidates who successfully secured the seats of the parliament are Asma Rasheed, Fathimath Saudha and Dr. Anaara Naeem. Amongst them, Asma and Anaara had served as parliamentarians previously. Asma and Saudha were candidates nominated by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), while Dr. Anaara contested as an independent candidate.
Parliamentarians with familial ties
Four candidates from Dhevvadhoo, Gaafu ALif Atoll, have been elected as new parliamentarians. Another notable fact in the new Parliament, is that it consists of a couple; Adam Shafeeq and Dr. Anaara Naeem. Furthermore, this marks the first Parliament of the nation in history, with a father and his son representing two constituencies.
Alsan; the youngest parliamentarian
Mohamed Alsan Ahmed is the youngest member of the Parliament, serving it at only 27 years old. Meanwhile, the oldest parliamentarian is Qasim Ibrahim, 72.
The newly elected Parliament, comprising majority new members, holds high expectations from residents. Its role will be crucial in delivering significant benefits for both citizens and the nation through the enactment of a comprehensive legislative agenda, including over 200 amendments and new bills aimed at fulfilling government manifesto pledges.