The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has hailed recent amendments to the Decentralization Act as a critical step in preventing the misuse of state resources ahead of the upcoming local council elections.
Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, ACC Director of Prevention, Education and Advocacy, Ali Shameem Adam, emphasised that the commission has received numerous complaints of corruption and electoral malpractice, including councilors exploiting their positions to illegally lease land, renew contracts, and offer jobs to gain political advantage.
The amendment, which came into effect in August 2025, restricts local councils in their final year of tenure from staffing, leasing land or lagoons, and initiating new development projects outside approved plans.
Shameem described the changes as "necessary," noting they will significantly reduce opportunities for undue profiteering and abuse of power during election periods.
The ACC also revealed ongoing efforts to combat electoral misconduct, including joint awareness campaigns with the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) and other agencies to educate the public about electoral offenses across several islands.