Mohamed Shakeel, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's nominee for President of the Elections Commission (EC), has said he resigned from the commission in 2018 because he did not believe it was operating in an environment that allowed members to work independently.

The position became vacant following the resignation of former EC president Mohamed Zahid on May 1.

Shakeel, who currently serves as Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, was among several applicants for the post. President Muizzu forwarded his name to Parliament for approval.

Parliament's Independent Institutions Committee questioned Shakeel during a meeting on Monday as part of its review of candidates nominated for the position.

During the meeting, Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi asked Shakeel why he had resigned from the commission and whether he believed he could work independently if reappointed.

Shakeel said he stepped down after concluding that he would not be able to perform his constitutional duties freely and independently.

"I resigned while serving as a member of the commission. I heard voices within the commission that made me believe I would not be able to work with the independence required for the role," he said.

"I did not believe, in good conscience, that I could carry out the responsibilities assigned by the Constitution under those circumstances."

Shakeel served EC in two capacities, first as Director General and later as a member of the commission. He resigned after serving three years in 2018 as a member of the commission during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. 

Asked whether he would remain in office if similar circumstances arose again, Shakeel said he would step aside.

"If such a situation arises now or in the future, I will resign," he said.

In addition to serving as Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation, Shakeel is currently the registrar of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and a member of the party's senate.