Major Amendment to Elections Commission Act Changes Leadership Selection

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Second Amendment to the Elections Commission Act (Act No. 8/2008). This bill was passed by Parliament during the 53rd sitting of the 20th Majlis yesterday.

Under the new Amendment, the President is required to appoint both the President and Vice President of the Elections Commission, by selecting candidates among the members of the Commission for either position, with the appointment contingent upon approval by a majority vote in Parliament.

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ECM consists of five Commission Members, appointed by the President of the Maldives with the approval of the Peoples Majlis. Before the ratification of this new amendment, the President and Vice President of ECM were selected by members of the Commission. The term of members is five years with the possibility of renewal for another term, with the approval of the Parliament.

The Amendment revises the resignation procedure also, stipulating that the President or Vice President of the Commission must submit their resignation in writing to the President.

According to the government, the Amendment ensures that the current President and Vice President will continue to remain in their positions unless removed in accordance with the law.