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COVID-19: ACC publicizes corruption prevention guideline

Shahudha Mohamed
23 April 2020, MVT 20:15
Members of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) at a press briefing. The corruption watchdog published a guideline on preventing corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
23 April 2020, MVT 20:15

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday published a guideline on corruption prevention, stressing the need to ensure fairness and transparency in the disbursement of its relief package for businesses introduced by the government in response to the COVID-19 economic slowdown.

Citing higher incidence of corruption amidst such crises, the corruption watchdog cautioned that Maldives has had a history of public officials prioritizing their personal interests.

Commenting on government's response to COVID-19 for the first time, the ACC said the seven-point guideline was an effort to prevent such a repetition of history, and will serve as building blocks for maintaining the necessary checks and balances.

1. Strengthened mechanisms for transparency and accountability

ACC called on the government to make all information regarding COVID-19 including measures and decisions publicly available in an accessible manner, increase transparency in the formulation of COVID-19 response policies and allocation of resources, and continue to work within a system of accountability.

This would apply in the allocation of relief aid received from foreign governments and bodies, in addition to the changes brought to the health sector in response to COVID-19.

Moreover, ACC called on the government to strengthen the protection for whistle-blowers, conduct financial transactions pertaining to the pandemic as stipulated by the law in a transparent manner, and conduct a special audit when the health crisis passes.

2. Reduce corruption in the financial and procurement system

ACC urged the government to adhere to public financing standards as set out by the Public Finance Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act, and to authorize procurement in compliance with public procurement guidelines, even in urgent cases. ACC emphasized that goods and services must be procured at competitive market rates, to ensure the best interest of the public.

The commission also highlighted the importance of transparent decision-making, and advised that all decisions, even ones made over phone calls, must be recorded in writing for documentation purposes.

3. Strengthen oversight mechanisms

The corruption watchdog called for expanding the role of investigative journalists and the importance of public scrutiny of government's response to COVID-19.

In addition, ACC requested that civil society, journalists, as well as the general public, to remain watchful and vigilant for any suspicious or criminal activity concerning the measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to report it to relevant authorities.

4. Establish social justice and ensure integrity in decision making

ACC urged individuals to refrain from offering and taking bribes and misusing their authority or positions of power to secure an undue advantage during the pandemic.

For instance, this may refer to the transfer of individuals to quarantine facilities, providing those in quarantine facilities with necessities, prioritising treatment provided for patients, allocating rationed medications, chartering rescue flights to bring back Maldivians in foreign countries, sending care packages to locals stranded abroad, offering leniency in certain aspects connected to the pandemic and granting authorisation permits.

Authorities with access to personal and identifiable details of individuals are obliged to safeguard this information, and utilize this information only for its intended purpose, and refrain from misusing private information obtained for COVID-19 response.

5. Ensure integrity in stimulus/relief packages and programmes introduced due to the crisis

According to ACC's guidelines, the stimulus and relief packages allocated for businesses must be disbursed in a fair and transparent manner, with all records properly documented.

ACC also urged the government to conduct accompanying risk assessments with any relief program or effort, adding that challenges and risks must be identified even in cases where a risk assessment is not possible.

Moreover, the commission emphasized that the government should operate with full integrity and ensure that a fair mechanism is adhered to in the leasing of land plots and allocation of resources for economic purposes.

6. Strengthen record management systems

The guide also emphasized on the importance of proper bookkeeping with regard to the inventory of procured items as well as foreign aid.

It further advised the government that all decisions, including financial transactions, must be properly recorded and documented in writing, including pertinent details and financial justifications.

The commission further highlighted the importance of storing such records in a manner that ensures easy access to the aforementioned documents if and when the need arises, such as an audit even after the crisis period ends.

7. Minimise changes of corruption in administrative operations

In addition to designating capable candidates for various COVID-19 relief efforts, the commission advised the government to reinforce internal controls and refrain from granting full authority and responsibility to a single or a few individuals, a measure to reduce discretionary powers over COVID-19 related decisions.

ACC also noted that employees working from home must be properly monitored and supervised as well in order to ensure efficient use of public funds.

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