Yazmeed Mohamed, who contested last year’s parliamentary elections for the GA. Villingili constituency on the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) ticket, has been elected Vice President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

His election took place at the commission’s meeting on Wednesday, following the resignation of High Court Judge Mohamed Niyaz, who previously held the post. Yazmeed currently serves on JSC as a presidential appointee, having been appointed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on 23 February 2024. His appointment came after the removal of lawyer Mohamed Sameer from the commission.

JSC comprises ten members, including three directly appointed by the People’s Majlis: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, PNC MP for Maafushi constituency Hussain Riza Adam, who also serves as JSC President, and Idrees Fauzy, a member representing the general public. Other members include the president’s appointee, the Attorney General (AG), the president of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), a representative elected from among lawyers, and three judges representing the different tiers of the judiciary.

The commission’s composition has drawn growing criticism over perceived political dominance. The opposition accuses the Muizzu administration of undermining the independence of state institutions and exerting undue control over key oversight bodies, including JSC.

Public discontent has been mounting. On October 3, thousands gathered in the capital’s Artificial Beach area and along Majeedhee Magu, protesting what they described as the government’s systematic erosion of the constitutional order. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has since announced plans for another major rally on November 17, vowing to continue challenging what it calls the administration’s tightening grip on independent institutions.