Bills allowing President to appoint ACC, EC leadership ratified

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the two bills passed in parliament which grants the President the authority to appoint the President and Vice-President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Election Commission (EC).

ACC Act Amendment bill was submitted by ruling People's National Congress (PNC)'s Felidhoo MP Adam Zahir on behalf of the government, while the amendment to the EC Act was submitted by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef also from PNC.

The Amendment passed in parliament yesterday comes into effect following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.

Both bills were passed by the Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions without any changes.

The amendments to the ACC and EC Acts now stipulate that the President will have the power to appoint the President and Vice-President from among the members of each commission.

Under the amendments, the names of the President and Vice-President of the two commissions must be submitted to Parliament, where they can be passed by a majority vote of members present during the sitting.

The Amendment also ensures that the current President and Vice President will continue to remain in their positions unless removed in accordance with the law.