The President's Office yesterday opened applications for the position of Information Commissioner, as the term of the incumbent, Ahid Rasheed, nears its conclusion. Ahid was appointed to the post on September 6, 2021.
According to an announcement by the President's Office, the deadline for submitting applications for the role is August 16.
The call for applications comes after President Mohamed Muizzu, speaking at an Independence Day function, accused the current Information Commissioner of being a political figure acting under the orders of the opposition, though no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Muizzu’s remarks followed several rulings by the Information Commissioner’s Office against the government—including the President’s Office—for failing to disclose information, which resulted in the President’s Office being fined.
Responding to these allegations, Ahid maintained that he performs his statutory duties independently and without influence from any party.
Despite the gravity of the President's allegations, no formal complaints against Ahid have been submitted to or processed by the People’s Majlis, where the ruling PNC holds a supermajority.
Under the Right to Information Act, eligibility criteria for the Information Commissioner include being at least 35 years of age and having no criminal record for an offense prescribed in Islam, fraud, or bribery. Candidates must not hold any elected or appointed political office, nor be a member of a political party or active in political activities. Furthermore, applicants must hold a first degree with at least seven years of professional experience and must not be employed elsewhere.
The law stipulates that the Information Commissioner serves a five-year term. However, unless removed under legal provisions, the term of an incumbent may be extended by the Parliament for a period not exceeding an additional five years.
Applications will be accepted at the President's Office on working days between 08:30 am and 12:00 pm until the deadline. Application forms are available for download on the President's Office website.
