Mohamed Shakeel, the former Registrar of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), was appointed as a member of the Elections Commission (EC) today.
During yesterday's parliamentary sitting, 51 MPs voted in favor of Shakeel's appointment, while seven MPs voted against it.
Until yesterday, Shakeel served as the Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation. He has since resigned from that post and his seat on the corporation's board to assume his new role at the EC.
This marks Shakeel's second tenure at the Elections Commission, having previously served as a member from December 2014 to May 2018 during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration. Prior to that appointment, he held the position of Director General at the commission.
The Elections Commission is the independent statutory body mandated to conduct free and fair elections in the Maldives. But Shakeel is known for his vocal support and social media posts praising President Mohamed Muizzu.
During his tenure as Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation, the state-owned enterprise faced allegations of corruption. Adhadhu has previously reported that the corporation facilitated Hajj opportunities for individuals lower on the official waitlist in exchange for additional payments.
The vacancy on the commission arose following the resignation of its former President, Mohamed Zahid. He stepped down on May 1, citing excessive government interference in the commission's affairs.
