President nominates Hajj Corporation MD Shakeel for EC membership
The Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions has today begun reviewing the President’s nomination of Mohamed Shakeel, the current Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, to the Elections Commission. This vacancy arose following the resignation of the commission’s former president, Mohamed Zahid, in May. Zahid was notably the first individual appointed to the post by President Muizzu under the recent legislative amendments.
Mohamed Shakeel, Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. | Maldives Hajj Coporation
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Mohamed Shakeel, the Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, for appointment to the vacant seat on the Elections Commission (EC).
During Monday's People's Majlis sitting, the President's nomination of Shakeel for a seat on the Elections Commission was formally presented. While the names of other applicants were included in the official communication, the President has recommended only Shakeel for parliamentary approval.
The matter has been referred to the Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions for further review.
The vacancy at the Elections Commission (EC) arose following the resignation of its President, Fuad Thaufeeq, on May 1.
In addition to stepping down as the commission's head, he also resigned from his position as a member of the commission.
Zahid, who previously served as a member of the Elections Commission (EC), was appointed as its President on January 26, 2025. His appointment by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu follows recent legislative amendments passed by the 20th People’s Majlis, which grant the President the authority to appoint heads of independent institutions.
However, he resigned shortly after the results of the referendum and the council elections were announced.
