Hassan Zakariyya has officially been appointed as a member of the Elections Commission of Maldives (EC).

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the appointment on Monday at a ceremony held at the President's Office.

Zakariyya’s oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain.

He was then presented his Letter of Appointment by the president.

The appointment comes under Article 168 (b) of the Constitution of Maldives and in accordance with Section 4(a) of the Elections Commission Act.

The People’s Majlis approved Zakariyya’s appointment in early April. A vote was held on the motion sent to parliament to decide on his appointment, as a member of the commission, on April 1. This was done in accordance with Section 4 (d) of the Elections Commission Act. His appointment was approved by the unanimous votes of 39 members present.

His name was forwarded for parliamentary approval on 20 February 2024.

Zakariyya, who served as the Secretary General of EC is native to Mulah island of Meemu atoll.

He was appointed to EC to replace the former Vice President of the commission Ismail Habeeb.

Habeeb’s term as EC’s Vice President expired on March 13.

The law states that he cannot be appointed to a third term, as he has already completed two terms in the position.

Zakariyya was appointed Secretary General of EC in June 2022.

Prior to being appointed as the EC Secretary General, Zakariyya served as the commission’s director.

He also served as an acting SG for two years, prior to the appointment.