Newly elected MDP MP Ibrahim Shaaz has been sworn in as the Guraidhoo constituency MP.
The Parliament's Guraidhoo seat became vacant following the death of MP Ibrahim Riza earlier in February. A by-election was held on April 15 to elect a member to the seat. Three candidates contested the election: Ibrahim Shaaz from the main-ruling MDP, Hussain Riza from the opposing PPM, and MNP candidate Ali Arif.
According to the final results released by the Election Commission, Shaaz received 1,346 votes -- 49.96 percent. Hussain Riza received 1,226 votes (45.51 percent), while Ali Arif received 122 votes (4.53 percent).
Ibrahim Shaaz was sworn in as a member of the Parliament at a ceremony held at the Parliament this morning. He was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Aisha Shujoon.
Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and some MPs were present at the ceremony.
Speaking after being sworn in, MP Shaaz said he would prioritize fulfilling pledges in the short time he has been granted to act in the capacity of the Guraidhoo constituency's MP. He assured that he would not waste the little time he had been given.
In an interview given to the Parliament media, MP Shaaz said today was not a significant day of his life, but rather, an important day for his party, MDP.
"This is a seat that the MDP has never won before. People supported the MDP and trusted me, and with a large majority, I entered the Parliament today. This is the day I was sworn in," Shaaz said.
Shaaz said he had learned a lot from the people of the Guraidhoo constituency, especially during his campaign. There are things that the government should have done for the people but have not done, he said.
"There is a short time to accomplish those things. I don't believe I have time for useless talk in Parliament. I believe that during this short term in Parliament, I must work for the benefit of the people of Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi," Shaaz said.
Shaaz said he would work with the determination to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the Guraidhoo constituency by working with the government and within the framework of the Constitution.
"My message to the people today, especially to the people of Gulhi, Guraidhoo, and Maafushi, is not to worry. I will not enter the Parliament and simply sit in a beautiful seat. I will continue to work to achieve the development and aspirations of the people of the three islands as per my campaign pledges and the people's feelings", he said.
