Govt to end political patronage in recruitment, move to merit-based system

President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will shift to a merit-based system for appointments, ending the practice of allocating positions without regard to qualifications.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, the President said the changes follow recent election outcomes and public feedback.

He stated that the government is reviewing its structure, including reducing the number of ministries and cutting staffing levels in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The Ministry of Finance has already instructed SOEs to reduce their workforce by 33 per cent.

The President said the performance and qualifications of political appointees are also being assessed.

He outlined measures to reform recruitment, including reducing the size of government, dismissing employees who do not meet performance standards, and requiring all future recruitment to be conducted through public advertisement and a formal selection process.

“The people have spoken; the practice of granting political jobs in exchange for campaign support must end,” he said.

The President stated that ministries and SOEs will no longer recruit staff without an application process and review of qualifications.

He noted that while the Constitution allows the President to make political appointments, these will be made under a structured system based on qualifications and performance.

Under the new criteria, appointments to the rank of State Minister will require a Master’s degree, while Deputy Minister positions will require a Bachelor’s degree. He added that additional appointments will be made only when necessary.

The President said the reforms are intended to align recruitment with defined standards.