Malé, Maldives – Head of the Elecrion Comission’s Compliance Commission Mohamed Zahid resigned on Wednesday, following complaints from the Parliament.
Zahid resignation came following the Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed along with several other parliamentarians from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) raising question over his appointment to such a key role within the Elections Commission after he was previously dismissed from Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) in a no-confidence vote last year.
Members of the Elections Commission were summoned by the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee for a meeting to discuss the issue on Tuesday.
Speaking during the meeting, MDP parliamentarians said they do not find it reasonable for someone dismissed in a no-confidence vote by the Parliament to be appointed to position of responsibility, and said they do not believe complaints lodged by MDP candidates will be looked into fairly as long as he remains in power.
Elections Commission Chairman Ahmed Shareef denied the allegations and said that he did not believe Zahid’s appointment will influence the elections. He said that the position is not powerful enough to allow unilateral decisions.
