Govt proposes presidential discretion appointing EC, ACC heads

The Maldives government has proposed bills seeking to grant discretion of appointing heads to the Elections Commission (EC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the Maldives head of state.

Out of the two bills presented by the government, the amendment bill on Elections Commission Act was submitted by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef while the Anti-Corruption Commission Act’s amendment bill was submitted by Felidhoo MP Adam Zahir.

First reading of both bills have been scheduled for Monday’s parliament sitting.

According to the particulars of both bills, the authority to appoint presidents and deputy presidents to both of these independent institutions will rest with the Maldives President, who will be responsible in nominating candidates for the roles.

Additionally, the bills articulate that upon nomination by the president, the names would be submitted for parliament approval, and only after the legislative go-ahead can the nominated individuals be formally appointed to their roles in the commissions.

The bills also stipulate the presidents and deputy presidents of the commissions, who are incumbent at the time the amendments come to effect, will remain in their positions until their legal term expires.

The current laws grant appointment of presidents and deputy presidents of both commissions to its respective members by way of an internal election. The result of this election must be shared with the President within 28 hours from voting closure.

Currently, Adam Shamil heads the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), who was appointed to the rule on March 17, 2022.

Fuad Thowfeek is the current president of the Elections Commission (EC), whose term will expire on November 24^th this year. Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has already nominated, and submitted the name of Abdulla Haseeb as Fuad’s successor for parliament approval.