ACC says amendment will reduce unfair hiring and misuse of council powers during elections

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the recent amendment to the Decentralization Act is expected to curb unfair employment practices commonly seen in the run‑up to elections.

The amendment, ratified by the President on August 14 last year, was circulated to all councils by the Local Government Authority (LGA) three days later, instructing immediate implementation.

Under the revised law, councils are prohibited from undertaking certain actions within the final year of their constitutionally mandated term unless done in accordance with regulations set by the Finance Ministry and the LGA. This includes hiring staff, whether permanent or contract, into council offices.

ACC Director of Prevention, Education and Advocacy Ali Shameem told state broadcaster PSM that the commission has repeatedly observed misuse of state resources during election periods.

Citing past cases submitted to the ACC, Shameem said some councilors had used their official positions and resources to influence electoral outcomes or secure their seats. He highlighted recurring issues such as leasing land, renewing contracts, and issuing jobs in rural areas during election periods.

Shameem said the new amendment is a positive step, noting that it is expected to significantly reduce such practices.

“There have been things like leasing out land in rural areas, renewing agreements, giving jobs, etc. So this law is going to reduce that part a lot,” he said.

Unfair job distribution has long been a concern during elections, with thousands of individuals historically hired for political purposes. On November 15, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim remarked that many people now seek employment “without any work,” noting that such politically motivated jobs remain in demand.

The amendment has also restricted several powers previously held by councils. For instance, councils can no longer charge rent for land or buildings allocated to parties providing essential public services. Other administrative powers have similarly been narrowed.

These changes have drawn criticism from opposition parties and some councils, who argue that the amendments undermine decentralization and weaken local governance.