President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s nominees for the National Integrity Commission (NIC) have been forwarded to the committee on independent institutions, for further review.

While a number of individuals had applied for the one vacant spot at the commission, the president had forwarded four names to parliament, asking to select the most qualified among them. President’s Office opened the opportunity for NIC membership following the resignation of member Mohamed Farhaad.

President’s nominees for NIC are Shuaib Abdul Rahman, Colonel (Rtd.) Ahmed Jihad, Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer and Hawwa Liusha.

Applications for NIC membership was first opened in February, with the president sending his nominations to parliament shortly after.

However, due to an issue with one of the nominees who later withdrew his application, the president’s office reopened the opportunity in July.

While one of Solih’s initial nominees, Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed had received the highest marks during committee evaluation, family of abducted journalist Ahmed Rilwan had expressed concern over his possible reappointment. They noted that Maaniu is connected to the family of one the suspects in Rilwan’s abduction, and that his reappointment to NIC could raise questions over its independence and integrity.

Maaniu was appointed NIC president by former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration in October 2015, and had remained in position until his dismissal in 2017.