Committee approves appointment of Shakeel to Elections Commission

The Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions has approved the appointment of Mohamed Shakeel, the current Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, to the vacant seat on the Elections Commission (EC).

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Mohamed Shakeel as his preferred candidate for the vacant seat on the Elections Commission (EC) following a public call for applications. The President forwarded Shakeel’s name for parliamentary approval on June 9. The matter was subsequently referred to the Committee on Independent Institutions for further review during the parliamentary sitting held on June 15.

Mohamed Shakeel has previously served in various capacities within the Elections Commission. Notably, he has also served as a member of the commission in the past.

A vacancy has opened at the Elections Commission following the resignation of its President, Mohamed Zahid, on May 1st. In addition to stepping down as President, Zahid 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. He was the first individual appointed to such a 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 has resigned from the post shortly after the announcement of the results for the national referendum and the local council elections.

The committee's decision to endorse Shakeel will now be forwarded to the parliamentary floor. If the Parliament votes in favor of his appointment, the President will officially appoint him to the position.