Parliament has begun debate on the proposing amendments to grant direct authority to the President and Vice President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Presenting the bill on behalf of the government, MP Adam Zahir of Felidhoo stated that the purpose of these amendments to the ACC Act is to enhance the commission’s effectiveness and to clarify the procedure for appointing the President and Vice President.

Currently, Section 7 of the Act mandates that both positions be chosen from among commission members, notifying the President and Parliament within 48 hours of the appointment. Under the amendment, however, the President would select a nominee from either the commission members or external candidates, and parliament would need to approve the appointee.

Further changes in Section 15(b) stipulate that if the President or Vice President of the ACC wishes to resign, they must submit a formal letter to the President, who will then process their removal. The amendment would remove certain provisions under Sections 10(c)(d) and 11(d) that require ACC approval for the President and Vice President’s resignation and mandate a 72-hour timeframe to fill these positions when vacant.