The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is the first modern form of democratic institution with the major functions to prevent and prohibit corruption within the public sector of the Maldives. The ACC was established on 16 October 2008. Prior to 2008, the function of corruption control was mandated to the Anti-Corruption Board (ACB)—a government agency established by Presidential decree on 21 April 1991.
ACC consists of five Commission Members, appointed by the President of the Maldives with approval of the Peoples Majilis. The President of the Commission is the primary head of the institution responsible for oversight and delegation of tasks to Commission Members, Secretary General and Staff. The Commission has recently reviewed its internal organizational structure during the first quarter of the year that divides the functions of the Commission into six key sections. They are;
Operations Section Members Bureau Prevention Section Administration Section Information Technology Section Budget Section and Internal Audit function is also included into the Commission.
The first act of legislation formulated to combat corruption in the Maldives is ‘Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act (PPCA) 2/2000’ of 31 August 2000. It prescribes legal provisions and guidelines for state institutions to prevent and prohibit acts of corruption in public offices. Later, the democratic process lead to the ratification of the 2008 Constitution, under which an ‘Anti-Corruption Commission Act (ACCA) 13/2008’ was enacted on 24th September 2008. The ACCA mandated the establishment of the Commission as an independent statutory institution and governed the duties and responsibilities of the Commission.

The PPCA was formulated much earlier to the new Constitution and subject to modern dynamics in corruption offences; the PPCA urgently needed reinforcement and amendments. A new Anti-Corruption bill was drafted and submitted to the Parliament in 2013. However, the previous Parliaments’ term ended without a floor call for discussion to the bill hence the Commission plans to re-submit this bill to the current assembly term. Subsequently, with the enactment of the new ‘Penal Code (9/2014)’ on 1st April 2014, all the criminal offences and its related punishments are encompassed in this Code, which also include corruption crimes. The new Penal Code commenced its implementation on 16 July 2015.

Objectives

To strengthen the administration of the Commission by providing speedy and high quality services, establishing safe working environment and to certify the Commission as an International Standard Organization (ISO) approved institute. To induce staff motivation at the Commission by developing their technical capability, confidence, and directing towards result oriented service. To establish modern technology at the Commission, familiarize the staff to adopt and use the available technology effectively. To empower the Commission through a legal regime, and to ensure all perpetrators of corruption are impartially subject to legal action ad protect the society from corruption. To eliminate the corruption risks, promote accountability and transparency among public institutions.