President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Mohamed Shakeel, former Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation, as a member of the Elections Commission (EC).

Shakeel took his oath of office and signed the declaration of membership during a ceremony held Wednesday at the President’s Office.

The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Mohamed Saleem, after which President Dr. Muizzu presented him with his official letter of appointment.

The appointment follows parliamentary approval secured a day earlier, with lawmakers voting 51-7 in favor of his nomination.

The vacancy on the Elections Commission arose after former Chairperson Mohamed Zahid resigned from both the position and the commission in May.

President Dr. Muizzu subsequently nominated Shakeel to fill the vacant seat.

Prior to his appointment, Shakeel served as Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation and was a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) senate and elections committee.

Following parliamentary approval, he resigned from both roles.

Shakeel is no stranger to the Elections Commission, having previously served as a commissioner during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

During his appearance before Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee, Shakeel was questioned about his previous resignation from the commission.

He explained that concerns about maintaining independence had influenced his decision to step down at the time.