Committee OKs Nashath for additional term despite complaints

Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee approved Ali Nashath for a new term as a member of the Elections Commission on Tuesday, despite receiving complaints against him.

The committee interviewed Nashath earlier Tuesday.

During the interview, some of the committee members questioned Nashath why he wished to rejoin the EC, despite having previously stated his lack of confidence in the commission’s chairman Fuad Thaufeeq.

Nashath responded that he does not believe a personal issue with one of the commission’s members will disrupt the functioning of the commission.

He said that Fuad did not deserve credit for the smooth arrangements for the recent presidential election, and reiterated his lack of confidence in him.

“I believe the Elections Commission Act itself does not accommodate for members to blindly follow the commission’s chairperson… It would not be a lie to say that the commission’s work went so smoothly because of its members and staff. The commission’s chair just sat on a chair. He did nothing else,” he said.

Nashath said he will cooperate in all work conducted in accordance with the law.

His appointment was called to vote after the interview.

Eight out of 11 members voted in favor of sending his nomination to the Parliament floor for a vote.

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 last month with one commissioner less.

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