Parliament consents to Judge Muhthaz as next Prosecutor General

Parliament has given consent for Criminal Court Judge Muhthaz Muhsin to be appointed as the next Prosecutor General.

The vote of consent received 62 votes in favour of Judge Muhthaz, 7 against and 12 abstentions. The second candidate, prominent lawyer Maumoon Hameed's name was not asked for a vote.

Minority Party, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) issued a free whip and decided to back Judge Muhthaz Muhsin in the vote. Jumhoory Party (JP) had earlier decided to abstain from the vote.

The majority party Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) parliamentary group on Saturday decided to vote for Judge Muhthaz Muhsin and issued a three-line whip.

PPM parliamentary group’s decision contradicts an order by the ruling party's president, former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to back his nephew and prominent lawyer Maumoon Hameed for the Prosecutor General post.

Parliament agreed to appoint Judge Muhthaz Muhsin today after both nominees; Maumoon Hameed and Judge Muhthaz Muhsin, were rejected by the Parliament Committee on Independent Institutions for failing to score the required percentage in the committee evaluation.