New code of conduct does not permit political participation: DJA

According to the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA), the recently implemented code of conduct prohibits judicial service employees from engaging in active roles in political activities.

The newly implemented code of conduct has repealed the chapter that previously barred judicial service employees from participating in political activities. Following this, local media reports have indicated that judicial service employees are now allowed to engage in political activities.

In response to media reports, the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has released a statement clarifying that judicial employees are still required to fulfill their obligations by completely refraining from political involvement. The DJA said that this requirement has not changed in the new code of conduct as well.

DJA noted that the participation of judicial employees as general members in a political party or casting votes during internal elections or primaries of a political party were not restricted by the chapter of the code of conduct that has been repealed.

The authority emphasized that judicial service employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in any activities that may raise doubts about their impartiality. This prohibition extends beyond political activities and encompasses certain social activities as well.

DJA said that the new code of conduct was implemented to increase and sustain the public trust on the Maldivian judiciary, and that it resolved several hindrances created due to the 2011 regulation.