The People’s Majlis, dominated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), has approved the appointment of Idrees Fauzy, the former husband of the President’s sister, Fathimath Saudha, to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

When the People’s Majlis opened applications for the JSC position in June, eight candidates applied. The Judiciary Committee interviewed six of them and submitted the names of four candidates who scored above 75 marks to the floor.

Among the four names submitted, Idrees Fauzy, the ex-husband of MP For Nilandhoo constituency Fathimath Saudha, received 81 marks from the committee. Although there were two lawyers and a PhD holder among the eight applicants, the committee gave the highest marks to Fauzy.

In the floor vote, 64 lawmakers of President Muizzu's fully controlled People’s Majlis voted in favor of approving his sister's ex-husband, Fauzy. MP for Hanimaadhoo constituency Abdul Ghafoor Moosa who represents the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against. Two members voted to abstain including MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir and MP For Keyodhoo constituency Mohamed Niushad, both of whom represent MDP as well.

JSC consists of 10 members in total, and the member from the general public is appointed upon receiving approval from the People’s Majlis.