Parliament passes bills granting president power over ACC, EC chief
The amendments were passed in parliament with 69 votes in favour and 10 against
Parliament on Monday passed amendments to the laws governing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Elections Commission (EC), granting the president the authority to appoint the commissions' president and vice-president.
The government introduced the two bills on October 24. They were referred to the Independent Institutions Committee on November 5 for consideration, where they were approved without changes.
The amendments were passed in parliament with 69 votes in favour and 10 against, with opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members voting against.
Under the new amendments:
-
The president will appoint the president and vice-president of each commission from among its members.
-
Whenever appointments are required, the president must submit the names of one or more members to parliament.
-
Parliament will approve the appointments through a majority vote among members present and voting.
Previously, the president and vice-president of both commissions were selected through a vote among the members of the respective commissions.
The opposition has expressed concerns about the potential for increased governmental influence over key independent institutions, arguing that the changes undermine their autonomy. The government and ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) MPs contend that the amendments will improve the efficiency of the commissions.
The amendments coincide with the removal of several senior officials from the commissions:
-
EC Vice-President Ali Nashath was removed by parliament, leaving the position vacant.
-
ACC Vice-President Abdul Salam resigned following the committee's decision to recommend his removal.
-
The EC presidency is also vacant following the expiration of the incumbent's term on Sunday.
Once the president ratifies the amendments, the president and vice-president of both commissions will be directly appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu.
