The parliament has approved former Agriculture Minister of the Muizzu administration, Aishath Rameela, as the President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).
During the extraordinary session held today (January 6), 38 MPs in attendance voted in favour. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs decided to boycott the "unconstitutional" session.
The session concluded within ten minutes after approving Rameela for HRCM President. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said it was the only matter on agenda for the extraordinary session.
The largest opposition MDP believes that the purpose of these sessions is to rush changes to the Constitution without proper consultation. The first session was held yesterday (January 5).
In a post on social media X, Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim said the emergency sessions were being held during the recess without giving proper notice and in contravention of Articles 83 and 88 of the Constitution.
Rameela was appointed as a member of the HRCM on December 3, 2025 after the term ended for former HRCM President Mariyam Muna.
Rameela was the first Agriculture Minister of the current government. In November 2023, Rameela went abroad for treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. She returned to work in early February 2024, but resigned on December 1, 2024.
She previously served as State Minister for Health and Gender ministries.
