The Democrats have raised concerns following the government's proposal to amend the laws to grant authority of appointing presidents and vice presidents of the Elections Commission and Anti Corruption Commission to the President.
The Democrats have raised concerns following the government's proposal to amend the laws to grant authority of appointing presidents and vice presidents of the Elections Commission and Anti Corruption Commission to the President.
In a statement released last night, The Democrats pointed out that the Elections Commission is in charge of overseeing elections which includes candidates from the ruling party as well, while the Anti Corruption Commission is mandated to look into all allegations of corruption, including those that involve government actors.
They stated that the autonomy and independence of these commissions are crucial, as they should not be made susceptible to any undue influence or coercion from the government.
The Democrats maintain that granting the President the power to appoint and dismiss presidents and vice presidents to these commissions would adversely affect their ability to work free of influence and independently.
The party asserts that this is not permissible in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.
According to the existing laws governing the two commissions, presidents and vice presidents of the commissions will be elected through a vote held amongst its members in an official sitting.
The bill of amendments to the Anti Corruption Commission Act was proposed to parliament by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP for Felidhoo constituency Adam Zahir.
The bill concerning amendments to the Elections Commission Act was submitted by PNC MP for Kelaa constituency Abdulla Shareef.
The bill does not mention that the names proposed for the two positions should be submitted to parliament for approval.
Sign In