Parliament Approves Rifath Abdulla for ECM

Parliament today approved the appointment of Rifath Abdulla as a member of the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM).

Rifath received the backing of 58 lawmakers during the sitting of the Parliament clearing the way for his appointment to the constitutional body responsible for administering elections and referendums.

He has previously represented the ECM in court as a lawyer in several cases and has served as chair of the National Complaints Bureau during past elections. Rifath has also worked as a director in the investigation department of the National Integrity Commission. His most recent post was at Hajju Corporation

Rifath’s name was submitted to Parliament by Mohamed Muizzu, replacing the incumbent commissioner Dr Mohamed Zahir, whose five-year term is due to expire on 21 February.

Dr Zahir was appointed to the commission in February 2021 during the previous administration.