The People’s Majlis has approved President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s nominees to the Supreme Court bench.

The president forwarded his nominations, Criminal Court Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, for parliamentary consideration on August 19, 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.”

While separate votes were taken for the two at Sunday’s sitting, 55 lawmakers voted in favour of Rasheed’s appointment and one said no while Ibrahim received 63 votes in his favour.

The opportunity to apply for the Supreme Court bench was opened earlier this month after two seats at the seven-member bench became vacant.

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