Two candidates who contested the primary for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) ticket in last year's parliamentary elections have been appointed as judges.

Ahmed Shafiu was appointed to the Criminal Court and Mohamed Nashath was appointed as the Chief Magistrate of Kanduhulhudhoo Magistrate Court.

Shafiu contested in the primary for Thaa Guraidhu constituency. He lost to Hanaan Mohamed Rasheed, who now serves as the MP for the constituency.

Shafiu also recruited members to the PNC before contesting the primary. He handed over the membership forms to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Shafiu was elected to the Executive Committee of the Bar Council in the last election. He previously served as a public prosecutor.

Nashath contested the last parliamentary primary for Gemanafushi constituency. He lost to Asadullah Shihab, who now serves as the MP for the constituency.

The appointment of PNC activists as judges and as members of independent institutions has drawn public criticism and concern.