President Muizzu’s Information Commissioner Nominee Open to Complaints for Just Six Non-Working Hours
24 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 10:49Transparency Maldives has expressed concern over the Parliament's decision to allow only a six-hour window for public complaints regarding the appointment of Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur as Information Commissioner. The organization stated that this timeframe is insufficient for meaningful public participation and has called for an extension to ensure a more transparent vetting process.
From the ceremony held on July 22, 2014, where President Yameen appointed Mr. Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu Bakur, of Maazee, Laamu Maavah, to the post of Information Commissioner. | President's Office
The People's Majlis has set a window of just six hours for the public to submit complaints regarding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's nominee for the position of Information Commissioner.
With the term of the current Information Commissioner, Uz. Ahmed Ahid Rasheed, set to expire on September 6, 2026, President Muizzu has submitted the name of Uz. Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur (Maazee, L. Maavah) to the 21st People’s Majlis—where the President holds full control—for appointment to the position.
In addition to Azeez, candidates who applied for the position of Information Commissioner include Uz. Aishath Isha of Hulhumale' and Idris Ismail of Aneesa Manzil, M. Dhiggaru.
President Muizzu submitted this matter to the People's Majlis via a letter dated the 18th of this month.
The matter was referred to the Committee on Independent Institutions for review during the 27th sitting of the session, held on August 23, 2026.
In an announcement issued by the Parliament Secretariat on the same day, the public was invited to submit any complaints regarding Aziz. Submissions must be sent via email to the committee or in writing to the Parliament Secretariat by 6:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026.
This announcement was also made on August 23, 2026.
While the People’s Majlis Secretariat stated that written complaints could be submitted, it has been noted that the designated timeframe for submissions coincides with the administration's standard closing hours.
Transparency Maldives has stated that the six-hour window provided following this announcement does not allow sufficient time for interested parties to participate meaningfully. The organization has further called for an extension of the deadline to provide more time for the submission of complaints.
Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur served as the first Information Commissioner of the Maldives, holding the office from 2014 to 2019.
The Information Commissioner’s Office was established on July 13, 2014, during President Yameen’s administration, pursuant to Article 43(a) of Law No. 1/2014 (Right to Information Act).
