Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon has been appointed to the parliament’s seat in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

He was appointed for the position at Tuesday’s sitting, with 67 MPs voting in favor, one abstaining, and no vote against.

Faris was nominated for the position by Kinbidhoo MP and Jumhooree Party (JP)’s Parliamentary Group leader Abdulla Riyaz and was backed by Addu Meedhoo MP and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group’s deputy leader Rozaina Adam.

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) nominated Gaddhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed for the seat but he withdrew his name before the voting. Afterwards, only Faris’ nomination was put to a vote.

On Monday, the parliament removed Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Riza from the seat for failing to fulfill his duties and abusing his position. Riza has denied the allegations.

MP Riza, a close associate of President Abdulla Yameen, is rumored to have used his position at the JSC to influence the judiciary and judges.

Riza has also been accused of defending Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) in a court case in which MPL allegedly owed a private company over MVR 40 million. It was reported that Riza was hired as MPL’s legal representative for MVR 2 million. The court had ruled in MPL’s favor.