Parliament approves 2 new appointments to Elections Commission

Parliament on Thursday approved the appointment of Mohamed Zahid and Abdul Rahman Solah to fill two vacant positions on the Elections Commission (EC).

The independent institutions committee evaluated and ranked the nominees based on their qualifications.

Mohamed Zahid, a former member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), secured the committee's highest rating with 93.80% marks. His appointment was approved by Parliament with 68 votes in favour.

Abdul Rahman Solah, who previously held senior roles in the EC and the Home Ministry, was also approved with 68 votes in favour. The committee awarded him 91.40% marks.

No members voted against either appointment.

The vacancies arose after the parliament dismissed former EC Vice President Ali Nashath and member Mohamed Asif through a no-confidence vote. They were removed over allegations of illegal financial gain and misuse of information from the EC database.

Both have denied the accusations.

With the new appointments, the EC now comprises the following members:

The commission is now restored to its full strength of five members.