Parliament has approved Mohamed Zahid as Chairman of the Elections Commission (EC) and Abdul Rahman Salah Rashid as Deputy Chairman, following their nomination by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on February 10.

The Independent Institutions Committee endorsed both candidates without further interviews, as they had already been approved by Parliament. Zahid’s appointment was confirmed with 68 votes, while Salah received 69 votes in favour.

Zahid, formerly the Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), now assumes leadership of the EC. Salah, who previously served as the commission’s director and acting secretary, takes on the Deputy Chairman role. Both were initially appointed as members of the EC on January 26.

The appointments follow amendments to the Elections Commission Act last year, granting the President authority to appoint the Chairman and Deputy Chairman with parliamentary approval. Previously, the commission members elected the two positions internally.

The Elections Commission, an independent body established under the Constitution ratified on August 7, 2008, oversees electoral processes, political party registrations, and referendums. The commission comprises five members: Dr Mohamed Zahir, Hassan Zakaria, Abdul Haseeb Ismail, Mohamed Zahid, and Abdul Rahman Salah Rashid.