Parliament approves appointing Habeeb as HRCM member

The Parliament has today voted in favour of appointing Ismail Habeeb as a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM).

Habeeb previously served as the Vice President of the Elections Commission.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu nominated Habeeb to be appointed as a member of HRCM on July 15. Parliament then sent the nomination for further review to the Human Rights Committee.

The Committee conducted relevant reviews, and brought in Habeeb for an interview as well. At the interview, Habeeb received a score of 89 percent.

Hence, the Committee yesterday approved Habeeb as a suitable nominee for the post of HRCM member, announcing that he is qualified and capable of filling the post.

A vote on the appointment was taken during today's parliament sitting.

Habeeb's appointment was approved through the votes of 74 members in favour. Three members voted against.

Habeeb resigned from the Elections Commission once he had completed two terms of five years each as a commission member. As per the law, an individual can only serve two terms as a member of the Elections Commission. Although he served two terms as a member, Habeeb has served in different capacities at the Elections Commission for a total of 21 years.

He was initially appointed as a member of the Elections Commission on March 12, 2013 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. He was appointed for his second term in 2019.