Parliament has on Monday passed to appoint Colonel (Rtd.) Ahmed Jihad to the National Integrity Commission.

78 MPs voted in favour of his appointment.

The president had forwarded four nominations to the parliament on November 3; (as per order) Shuaib Abdul Rahman, Ahmed Jihad, Dr. Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer and Hawwa Leesha. Parliament’s committee on independent institutions approved Shuaib, Jihad and Shahuneeza after interview sessions.

While Shuaib had received the highest points in the committee review, main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had issued a three-line whip to vote for the army veteran.

As per the committee's order, Shuaib's name was called out for a vote first; only eight lawmakers said yes to him, while 62 voted against.

NIC membership was opened following the resignation of Mohamed Faruhad.