Parliament approves Shakeel as Elections Commission president

The People's Majlis on Tuesday approved the appointment of Mohamed Shakeel as President of the Elections Commission (EC).

Shakeel, who was appointed as a member of the commission last Wednesday, was nominated for the post by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The nomination was submitted to Parliament on Monday and endorsed by the Committee on Independent Institutions before being put to a vote.

During Tuesday's sitting, Parliament approved the appointment with the support of 51 members, while eight members voted against it.

Shakeel most recently served as the Registrar of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). He also previously served as a member of the PNC Senate and played a role in the party's elections committee.

The appointment follows amendments made to the laws governing the Elections Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2024.

Before the amendments, the President and Vice President of both commissions were elected by members of the respective commissions. Under the revised law, the President nominates candidates for the leadership positions, subject to parliamentary approval.

Following the change, President Muizzu nominated Shakeel to lead the Elections Commission.

The commission now comprises five members:

Shakeel's nomination to the commission drew public criticism because of his recent political roles within the PNC.

He was appointed as the party's Registrar in January. Following his appointment to the Elections Commission, Deputy Registrar Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir has assumed the responsibilities of Registrar on an interim basis.

Before joining the Elections Commission, Shakeel served as Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. He resigned from that position last Tuesday, ahead of his appointment to the commission.

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

The vacancy on the commission arose following the resignation of former EC President Mohamed Zahid in May.