I resigned previously because I was unable to work independently; I will resign again if faced with similar circumstances: Shakeel
The Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions has interviewed Mohamed Shakeel, the Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, regarding his nomination to the Elections Commission (EC). During the session, Shakeel pledged to strengthen the commission’s operations and ensure that political parties have streamlined access to necessary information. The vacancy on the commission arose following the expiration of the term of its former president, Fuwad Thowfeek.
Mohamed Shakeel, Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation. | Maldives Hajj Coporation
Mohamed Shakeel, the Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, has stated that his resignation from the Elections Commission in 2018 was prompted by the belief that he could no longer function independently. He further asserted that he would not hesitate to resign again should a similar situation arise in the future.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Shakeel for the vacant seat on the Elections Commission (EC), a matter currently under review by the Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions. The committee conducted an interview with Shakeel on Monday as part of the vetting process.
Responding to questions from members during the meeting, Shakeel noted that he had previously served at the Commission on two separate occasions. He stated that he first served as Director General, a position he held for a period of one and a half years. Shakeel further noted that he later served as a member of the Commission for three years before resigning from the post in 2018.
I resigned at the time because, during my tenure as a commission member, I encountered internal developments that I found unacceptable and which led me to believe I could no longer function independently. My conscience would not allow me to carry out the constitutional mandates of the role under circumstances where independence was compromised. Should such a situation arise again in the future, I will not hesitate to step aside and resign once more.Mohamed Shakeel, Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation
During the meeting, Shakeel highlighted several historical challenges faced by the Commission. He noted that difficulties persist in training officials, pointing out that misinterpretations of information provided by the Elections Commission have led to avoidable complications at polling stations.
Shakeel stated that the laws, regulations, and procedures governing elections in the Maldives are more transparent than those in even the world's most advanced nations. However, he noted that the necessary information is not being fully shared with all political parties as required.
Shakeel emphasized that the issue can only be resolved by providing all stakeholders with real-time information regarding the measures being taken by the Commission. He further stated that, if appointed as a member, he would work independently and strive to ensure that all political parties have the opportunity to share their concerns and engage in meaningful consultation.
The vacancy on 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 the commission's President on January 26, 2025. He is the first to be appointed to the role by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu following legislative amendments passed by the 20th People’s Majlis, which granted 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.
