Shakeel nominated for vacant Elections Commission seat

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has submitted the nomination of Mohamed Shakeel, Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, to Parliament for approval to fill a vacancy on the Elections Commission (EC).

The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Elections Commission President Mohamed Zahid in May after the completion of the local council elections.

During Monday's sitting of the People's Majlis, the President's nomination letter was read to members. The letter included the names of all applicants who had sought appointment to the position, with the President recommending Shakeel for the post.

The contents of the nomination letter have not yet been released publicly by Parliament, and the identities of the other applicants remain undisclosed.

Parliament is expected to review the nomination before deciding whether to approve the appointment.

Shakeel previously served as a member of the Elections Commission during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

He currently serves as Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. Shakeel is also a member of the Senate of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and serves on the party's internal elections committee.

The appointment will fill the seat left vacant by Zahid's resignation and restore the commission to its full membership once approved by Parliament.