Ex-PNC registrar Shakeel nominated to lead Elections Commission

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Elections Commission (EC) member Mohamed Shakeel to serve as President of the commission.

The nomination was forwarded to the People's Majlis on Monday and announced during the parliamentary sitting. Shakeel, who most recently served as Registrar of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), was the only nominee proposed by the President.

Under amendments passed by parliament in 2024, the President of the Republic has the authority to nominate the Presidents of the Elections Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, subject to parliamentary approval. Previously, the heads of both commissions were elected by the members of the respective institutions.

Following the announcement in parliament, Shakeel's nomination was referred to the Committee on Independent Institutions for review. The committee's recommendation will later be submitted to the full parliament for a vote.

President Muizzu appointed Shakeel as a member of the Elections Commission last week.

His appointment has drawn public criticism because of his previous involvement in the PNC.

Shakeel was appointed as the party's Registrar in January this year and also served on the PNC Senate and the party's elections committee. Following his appointment to the Elections Commission, the position of Registrar is being filled on an interim basis by Deputy Registrar Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir.

Before joining the Elections Commission, Shakeel served as Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. He resigned from that post before taking his oath as an EC member.

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

The vacancy in the position of EC President arose following the resignation of Mohamed Zahid in May.