President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified two parliamentary bills granting the President the authority to appoint the President and Vice-President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Elections Commission (EC).

The ACC Act Amendment Bill, submitted by Felidhoo MP Adam Zahir on behalf of the government, and the EC Act Amendment Bill, submitted by Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef, were passed by the Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions without changes. Following ratification, the amendments have now come into effect with their publication in the Government Gazette.

Key Provisions of the Amendments:

1. 
   

   Presidential Authority:
   The President is now authorized to appoint the President and Vice-President of both commissions from among the current members of each commission.

   
   


2. 
   

   Parliamentary Approval:
   Appointments made by the President must be submitted to Parliament, where they will be approved by a majority vote of members present during the sitting.

   
   


3. 
   

   Continuation of Current Leadership:
   The current President and Vice-President of the ACC and EC will remain in their positions unless removed in accordance with the law.

   
   

The amendments aim to streamline the appointment process while ensuring oversight through parliamentary approval. The ratified amendments signify a shift in governance for two of the country’s key independent institutions.