Ten candidates have applied for the post of Chief Judicial Administrator following the opening of applications for the position, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced.

Applications for the post were opened on 8 July following the resignation of former Chief Judicial Administrator Amjad Musthafa. He stepped down from the position in April.

The applicants are Hoodh Mohamed, Valuge, Gaafu Dhaalu Madaveli, Ahmed Rif'ath, Seefiyaa, Raa Maduvvari, Adam Shameem, Malaaz, Dhaalu Maaenboodhoo, Aminath Nashmee Fazeel, Maafannu Zevaru, Malé, Aishath Hikma, Asrafee Villa, Seenu Hithadhoo, Ismail Sajid Machchangolhi Vila Rodhi, Malé, Mohamed Niyaz, Nightrose, Meemu Rathmandhoo, Maryam Shahaana Maafannu Medhuriyaa, Malé, Maryam Nihaayath Maafannu Thaaj, Malé, and Shafeeqa Naeem, Beachside, Faafu Nilandhoo.

The JSC said applicants must meet several eligibility requirements in addition to the general qualifications. Candidates must not hold or have been appointed to a political office under the Constitution or any other law and must not be members of, or actively involved in, a political party.

Applicants must also not have been found guilty under Islamic Shariah of a hadd offence, breach of trust or bribery. In addition, they must not have been convicted under the Penal Code of a criminal offence, an act of moral turpitude or a terrorism-related offence where the sentence was completed within the past eight years.

Candidates must be under 60 years of age and hold a first degree in administration or law, along with at least 10 years of experience in either administration or the legal field.