Elections Commission (EC) has submitted the name of Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel to Parliament for appointment to a vacant position on the commission.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of former EC Chairperson Mohamed Zahid on 1 May.

Under the appointment process, the President is required to forward to Parliament the names of all applicants for the post, along with his preferred candidate.

A letter sent to Parliament and read out by Secretary General Fathimath Niusha included the names of all candidates who applied for the position. However, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu identified Mohamed Shakeel as his preferred nominee for appointment.

Shakeel previously served as a member of Elections Commission during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

He currently serves as Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation and is also the registrar and a senate member of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).