The President’s Office has forwarded names of four nominees up for the post of Information Commissioner, to the People’s Majlis.

Spokesperson at the office, Ibrahim Hoodh revealed that nine individuals applied for the post by the time the deadline for applications approached.

Out of the nine that responded to the public announcement on 10 July, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had picked out four applicants he found most suitable for the position, and forwarded them to the parliament on Thursday.

According to the Maldives constitution, parliament is required to announce the names at the earliest sitting after they receive the nominations. Following this, the names will be forwarded to the relevant committee for investigations.

While the current Information Commissioner’s term will come to an end on 22 July, according to article 45 of the Right to Information Act, those applying for the post must be over 35 years of age, must not be convicted for an offense punishable under Islamic Shari’ah or found guilty of an offense or fraud as per Shari’ah.

They must also have a first degree and possess at least seven years of work experience, must not be employed in any other employment other than the post saved as Information Commissioner, must not be a member of a political party nor engaged in the activities of a political party and must not be a person appointed to hold a political position under the constitution.