Interviews done, Police Board forwards evaluation to Minister

The Police Board has completed the interview process for the three candidates shortlisted for the post of Police Commissioner and has forwarded its assessments to Home Minister Ali Ihusan for a final decision.

The position became vacant following the resignation of former Commissioner Ali Shujau on April 26. Home Ministry opened applications for the role on May 27. The candidates who applied for the position include Deputy Commissioner Ismail Naveen, Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry, and South Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Shameem.

All three candidates were interviewed by the Police Board on Wednesday, and the board submitted its evaluations and scoring to Minister Ihusan on Thursday.

As per the procedure outlined in the Police Act, the President appoints the Commissioner of Police based on the recommendation made by the Home Minister. This recommendation follows a formal review and interview process conducted by the Police Board.

The law also requires that a new Commissioner be appointed within 45 days of the position becoming vacant. With the deadline expiring next Monday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is expected to make the appointment before that date.

The position became vacant following the resignation and retirement of former Commissioner Ali Shujau on May 26. His resignation came amid growing public criticism over the police's handling of the investigation into the fall incident involving Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a building in Male'.

Initially, Assistant Commissioner Farhad Fikry was temporarily assigned to the post. However, the Home Ministry later reversed the decision and appointed Deputy Commissioner Ismail Naveen as the temporary head of the police force.

Naveen, Farhad and Shameem submit candidacy for Police Commissioner position