Justice Hussain Shaheed elected vice-president of the Judicial Service Commission

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Justice Hussain Shaheed as its new vice-president.

The post became vacant after former vice-president Yazmeed Mohamed resigned last month. He did not disclose the reason for his resignation.

Yazmeed had served on the commission as the President’s appointee. The President has since appointed Ali Naseer Gasim to the commission.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the JSC congratulated Justice Shaheed on his election to the vacant post of vice-president.

Shaheed was appointed to the Supreme Court bench on March 19 last year. His appointment followed the resignation of Justice Husnu Al‑Suood, who had been under suspension since February 26.

Justice Shaheed has previously served as the Chief Judge of the High Court and the Criminal Court. He was appointed to the JSC on April 7 last year.

We would like to congratulate Justice Hussain Shaheedh for being elected as the Vice Chair of JSC. pic.twitter.com/qB3NmYXiAl

— Judicial Service Commission (@MaldivesJSC) June 3, 2026

The JSC is a key constitutional body mandated to appoint, promote, investigate and take disciplinary action against judges, as well as advise on the administrative affairs of the courts. The commission is also responsible for ensuring judicial independence and formulating policies to strengthen the judiciary.

The commission has 10 members: a member appointed by the President, the Speaker of Parliament, a Supreme Court judge, a High Court judge, a judge elected from among lower court judges, a member of Parliament, a public representative appointed by Parliament, the Attorney General, and a lawyer elected from among licensed lawyers.

Successive governments, including the previous MDP administration and the current government, have pledged to reform the JSC to reduce political influence. However, no government has delivered on that promise so far.