President Ratifies the Amendments to Laws Governed Under Three Acts

On 21st September 2020, the President of Maldives, his excellency, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, ratified the amendments brought to the laws governed under the following three Acts, passed by the People’s Majilis, prior.

The First Amendment to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act (Act no: 13/2008) 

The First Amendment to this Act was passed by the People’s Majilis on 6th September 2020 aiming as a precautionary measure to protect the body of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) from corruption of itself. To do so, the Amendment makes it compulsory for all appointed individuals to the Commission to publicly declare their assets to ensure that they cannot unduly benefit from their position or abuse their influence. Additionally, the Amendment consists of a comprehensive ethical guideline for the members to abide by. 

The First Amendment to the Elections Commission Act (Act No: 08/2008)

People’s Majilis additionally also passed the First Amendment to the Elections Commission Act, on the same day, reconstituting the duties and responsibilities of the President and Members of the Commission, but also vesting them with more independentce in carrying out their duties.  

The Fifth Amendment to the Civil Service Act (Act No: 5/2007)

On 6th September, the People’s Majilis also voted and passed the Fifth Amendment to the Civil Service Act, as well. The amendments bring changes to the responsibilities and duties of the Commission’s President and Members, making it compulsory for all appointed members to declare their assets for the public, similarly to the changes brought to aforementioned two Acts. The changes to the Act will also prohibit its members from engaging in employment outside of the Commission during their tenure. 

Following the ratification of the three Acts, the changes made has been publicized in the Government Gazette.