Transparency Maldives calls to broaden mandate of ACC

Transparency Maldives has urged authorities to do the necessary to overcome the obstructions faced by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in its investigations.

In a press statement issued today, Transparency Maldives referred to Supreme Court’s ruling that ACC does not have the authority to issue orders to halt projects by State Institutions, and called on the Parliament and relevant government institutions to take urgent action to broaden ACC’s mandate.

Transparency Maldives highlighted that corrupt activities are the result of the lack of strong public procurement policies, and encouraged the authorities to prioritise the establishment of these policies.

According to Transparency Maldives, the absence of an institution such as ACC which fights corruption, could result in immeasurable losses to the State and the people of Maldives.

Transparency Maldives stressed the importance of broadening ACC’s mandate to allow it to halt projects which are suspected of involving corruption, in order to avoid such losses.