ACC cites corruption risk in election-time hiring
Money/aid given by unknown persons and foreigners shall not be used for elections, according to ACC directive.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has directed all government agencies to not recruit or dismiss any more employees after the Elections Commission had announced the presidential candidates.
The ACC issued the directive on Thursday, in their advisory on ways to reduce corruption in the run-up to the September 9 presidential election.
"Except in exceptional circumstances, not to hire or dismiss large numbers of employees from a public agency or public and state-owned companies," says No. 3.2 of the guidelines.
The 11-page guidelines contain international principles and standards for technical practices to reduce corruption in five areas.
The five areas are:
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Financial matters related to the election
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Campaigning by public servants
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Use of state property and money in campaigning
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Ensure transparency in electoral matters
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Bribery and vote buying
The ACC guidelines recommended each of the five areas to reduce legal issues and corruption.
Some other recommendations made by the ACC include:
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Not to give promotions and employment based on the proportion of participation in political activities
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No public servant shall be involved in any political activity by threat of job
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No employee shall campaign during official hours and in the uniform of a public body and shall not conduct any transaction to seek support for any candidate
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It is prohibited for a foreign government to raise funds for elections; funds or aid given by unknown persons and foreigners shall not be used for elections
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Parties disclose financial reports submitted by candidates in connection with the election and information on those who fund the presidential election
The presidential election is scheduled for September 9. A total of eight candidates are contesting the presidential election.
