Parliament has begun the process of reviewing the eight nominations interested in representing the public on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
According to Maldives’ constitution, the Parliament is mandated to appoint a member from the general public to the 10 member commission.
The opportunity to apply for the position expired on 3 July. The position was open to candidates who are 30 years of age or older and must not be convicted of a criminal offense prescribed in Islamic Sharia or of fraud or bribery and must not be holding a political office elected or appointed under the Constitution or any law.
In addition, applicants must not be a member of any political party or a person active in a political party.
During the Parliament sitting on Tuesday, Speaker of Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that as many as eight candidates had applied for the position.
Candidates:
Ibrahim Zahid / Lilimaage, Vaadoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Ahmed Ali / Hulhumale’, Flat 108-G-1
Ali Amir / Ma. Penzyvilla
Idrees Fauzy / Fahivaage, Kalaidhoo, Laamu Atoll
Ahmed Shafiu / Udhares, Ihavandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll
Dr Hussain Faiz / Dhaftharu No. R.S. 1325
Hassan Waheed / Rankokaage, Kurinbi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Ali Mohamed Manik/ Dhaftharu No. R.S. 1851
The Speaker has forwarded the eight nominees to the Parliamentary Judiciary committee for vetting.
The term of office of a member of the Commission is five years and cannot be nominated for a second term.
The Parliament is looking to replace the present public representative on JSC who’s term is set to expire.
JSC is composed of the Speaker of Parliament, three judges which respectively represent the Supreme Court, High Court and lower courts, representatives from the parliament and the public as well as an appointee by the president.