Under the proposed changes, the President would appoint the President and Deputy President of each commission from among its members, with the appointments subject to parliamentary approval.
The government has proposed amendments to parliament that would grant the President the authority to appoint the President and Deputy President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Election Commission (EC).
The amendments to the ACC Act and EC Act aim to enhance the operational effectiveness of these independent commissions and align the appointment process for leadership positions.
Under the proposed changes, the President would appoint the President and Deputy President of each commission from among its members, with the appointments subject to parliamentary approval.
According to the amendments, the appointees for both roles would require a majority vote by parliament members present in the sitting. Additionally, the amendments allow current ACC and EC leaders to retain their positions until they choose to resign.
ACC Act amendment bill was introduced by People's National Congress (PNC) MP Adam Zahir, and the EC Act amendment by PNC MP Abdulla Shareef, both on behalf of the government.
The first reading of these bills is scheduled for tomorrow's parliamentary session.
Currently, under the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission Acts, the President and Deputy President of each commission are selected by a vote among members during commission meetings.