16 individuals submitted bids for membership at the Elections Commission (EC), says Ibrahim Hood, Spokesperson at the President’s Office.

Hood told RaajjeMV that the President will be forwarding the names to the Parliament floor for approval.

The opportunity for interested individuals to apply for a seat at EC was opened following the end of member Ismail Habeeb’s term.

RaajjeMV understands that Habeeb has applied for a second term.

While some of the other candidates are lawyers, the President’s Office is yet to publicize details.

While commission members have a term of five years, Habeeb’s term ends in March.

The Commission comprises of at least five members including its president.

The Constitution states that the President is to appoint persons approved by a majority of the parliament from the submitted names.

There are eight requirements for an EC member including that they be a Maldivian Muslim of at least 25 years of age who is not registered to any political party.