MDP proposes to establish ombudsman office

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has proposed that the government establish an ‘ombudsman office’ through new legislation.

MDP aligned MP Imthiyaz Fahmy said that the ‘interim justice’ legislation will be proposed in the People’s Majlis after the parliamentary elections in April.

Such an office would oversee complaints about government activity, as well inquire into these matters and prepare reports which are to be submitted along with request for legal or administrative action.

Imthiyaz said that the ombudsman office, like its counterparts across the world, will be independent from state institutions and government offices, allowing them to investigate matters pertaining to the government without a conflict of interest arising.

The parliamentarian further said that the office can be used as a means to submit complaints over damages caused by current policies to the Attorney General’s Office.

Details of the legislation are to be submitted at the party’s next policy workshop, Imthiyaz said, which has thus far heard 16 legislations to be submitted by the party after the election.