The Parliament has approved President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s nominations of Mohamed Zahid as Chairman and Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed as Vice Chairman of the Elections Commission (EC).

During Monday’s session, lawmakers voted in favor of both nominees, with Zahid receiving unanimous support from 68 members and Salah securing 69 votes.

President Dr. Muizzu submitted the nominations for parliamentary approval on January 26, and the request was formally presented when Parliament reconvened after recess earlier this month.

Both Zahid and Salah were appointed as EC members on January 26. Zahid previously served as Vice President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) until his dismissal in 2020 and also held the position of Deputy Minister at the Gender Ministry. 

Meanwhile, Salah has extensive experience within the EC, having served as Secretary-General, in addition to his tenure as Permanent Secretary at the Home Ministry.