Parliament approves Shakeel's appointment to Elections Commission

The People's Majlis on Tuesday approved the appointment of Mohamed Shakeel as a member of the Elections Commission.

Shakeel, who most recently served as Registrar of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), was nominated by President Mohamed Muizzu to fill a vacancy on the commission.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of former Elections Commission President Mohamed Zahid in May, after the conclusion of the local council elections.

Shakeel was the sole nominee submitted by the President for the position.

His nomination was reviewed by the parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions, which endorsed the appointment and forwarded its report to the full chamber.

During Tuesday's sitting, lawmakers voted on the committee's recommendation. The appointment was approved with 51 votes in favour, while seven members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against it.

Shakeel currently serves as Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation.

He has also served as a member of the PNC Senate and has been involved in the party's election committee.

Shakeel was appointed Registrar of the PNC in January. The position is currently vacant.

The nomination has attracted public discussion due to Shakeel's recent involvement in party politics and his appointment to an independent constitutional body.

The Elections Commission is responsible for administering elections and referendums and maintaining the national voter registry.