The names of two nominees to the Maldives Supreme Court bench have been forwarded for approval from the People’s Majlis.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih forwarded the names of Criminal Court Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, native to Kulhudhuffushi City in Haa Dhaal atoll, for approval.

Taking to Twitter, the president noted that Judge Rasheed and Ibrahim had received approval to be appointed to the bench, by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as well.

President Solih sent his preferred nominations as justices for the Supreme Court, under the powers vested in him as per Article 148 of the Maldives Constitution, which states that the President as the Head of State “shall appoint the Judges of the Supreme Court, after consulting the Judicial Service Commission and confirmation of the appointees by a majority of the members of the People’s Majlis present and voting.”

Judge Rasheed took over the responsibilities of running the Criminal Court temporarily, during November 2019 following JSC’s decision to suspend then-Chief Judge Ahmed Hailam from the post.

The opportunity to apply for the Supreme Court bench was opened on August following the two vacancies out of the seven-member bench.

The Supreme Court bench currently consists of Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Dr. Aicha Shujoon Mohamed, Justice Husnu Al Suood and Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir.