Parliament OKs Nashath for additional term at EC

The Parliament has approved Ali Nashath for a new term as a member of the Elections Commission.

Nashath’s term expired in July.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had made a formal request with the Parliament in May, seeking approval to appoint him for an additional term. However, the Parliament was at a deadlock at the time, and went to recess on June 22, before reviewing the nomination.

The EC conducted the presidential election in September with one commissioner less.

Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee approved Ali Nashath for a new term as a member of the EC on October 10.

The committee’s report was presented to the floor for debate on Wednesday.

During the debate, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef asked for a decision on approval for Nashath to be postponed until after the new administration takes office on Friday.

But MDP’s Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam objected to this. She noted the request for approval was submitted ahead of the elections. She said it was imperative that the EC function at full power.

The Parliament approved Nashath’s appointment with a majority vote of 42-9.

Nashath was originally appointed as a member of the EC on July 25, 2018, prior to which he served as a director at the commission.