President ratifies amendments to EC, ACC, Civil Service Act

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ratified important amendments to three acts; the Elections Commission Act, Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Civil Service Act.

The first amendment to the Elections Commission Act (Act no.: 08/2008) reconstitutes the duties and responsibilities of the commission's president and members and vests the institution with more independence to exercise its mandate.

Further, it mandates all commission members to act professionally and impartially, when acting in an official capacity.

Solih also ratified the first amendment to the ACC Act (Act No: 13/2008), which ensures added safeguards to protect the commission from corruption.

If also highlights clear ethical guidelines for ACC members to adhere to.

Following the ratification of the amendment, all appointed members are mandated to publish their asset declaration.

The amendment also ensures that individuals cannot “unduly benefit” from their position or abuse their power for undue benefits.

The fifth amendment to the Civil Service Act, (Act No. 5/2007) brings specific alterations to the Civil Service Commission (CSC)’s president and members.

The amendment strengthens the commission’s ability to perform its mandate independently and without bias and makes it mandatory for members to submit asset declaration statements.

It also prohibits them from employment outside of the commission during their tenure.

Engaging in activities that could result in conflict of interest, is also prohibited.

The amended act also lists conditions on maintaining records of the commission's meetings.

Amendments to all three acts received parliamentary approval on September 6, during its 33rd sitting of the second session.

Upon ratification, the amendments have been published in the government gazette and takes immediate effect.