Cairo, October 26, 2024 — The Arab Parliament elected UAE MP Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi as its new Speaker in a decisive vote held at the Arab League’s headquarters in Cairo. Securing 53 out of 61 total votes, Al-Yamahi won by a significant margin over his competitor, Libyan MP Dr. Abdul Salam Nasiyah, who received eight votes. This victory places Al-Yamahi at the helm of the Arab Parliament for the next two years, a period in which he will work to navigate and address pressing regional challenges.
The session was convened specifically to elect the Parliament’s new leadership and was presided over by Egyptian MP Yousry Al-Maghazi, who, as the oldest member of the Egyptian House of Representatives, led the proceedings according to Arab Parliament protocol. Al-Maghazi’s role underscores the importance of tradition and respect for seniority in Arab parliamentary procedure. In a show of support, the majority of members endorsed Al-Yamahi, reflecting a clear mandate for his leadership.
Al-Yamahi is a seasoned politician, already serving as Vice Speaker of the Arab Parliament and a member of the UAE's Federal National Council. His election is seen as a move towards continuity, as he brings experience and familiarity with the issues on the Arab Parliament's agenda. His leadership is anticipated to focus on regional cooperation, economic integration, and enhancing the Arab world’s collective voice on the global stage.
Further elections will take place shortly to determine the roles of vice speakers, committee heads, and their deputies, ensuring a full leadership team is in place to support Al-Yamahi’s new mandate.