Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institution has stated the decision to remove Ahmed Akram from the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) was based on allegations of misconduct raised against him.
Akram resigned from ECM on November 19, after the parliament committee passed the decision to dismiss him from the commission following an inquiry into allegations of misconduct. It was widely reported that the inquiry was based on allegations of sexual harassment.
However, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions Rozaina Adam said the decision to remove Akram was based on allegations of misconduct. As such, she noted the committee came to a conclusion that Akram had failed to observe the appropriate disciplinary standards in speaking with staff.
In a statement released following resignation, Akram said he resigned from ECM as he does not believe he could stay in an independent commission without the confidence of the Independent Institutions Committee. However, he denied all allegations against him, and affirmed that there is no truth behind any of the accusations. He said the details of what happened was shared with the parliament committee.
Akram was appointed to ECM for a second term on March 23. He had also previously served as commissioner and spokesperson at ECM.