The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday unveiled a new guideline to help government offices and state-owned companies formulate policies for identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
The guideline was launched during a ceremony held to mark International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, which also featured the publication of the Social Audit Report and other integrity initiatives.
According to the ACC, the guideline is intended to support the development of internal rules and procedures that apply to all categories of employees in public institutions and government-owned companies. It also encourages private sector entities to adopt similar standards in light of the recommendations.
During the International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 ceremony, several key initiatives were unveiled, including the publication of the Social Audit Report and the launch of the Conflict of Interest Guideline. #IACD #ACCMV pic.twitter.com/VYQkoWOhbB
— ACC-MALDIVES (@ACC_Maldives) December 9, 2025
The document outlines four key objectives:
Develop national policies to prevent corruption  
Provide guidance on identifying and managing special circumstances and potential conflicts of interest  
Define actions and standards for agencies based on their functions and operational needs  
Promote a culture of integrity and accountability across institutions
The ACC emphasized that all entities within the national integrity system must maintain robust management frameworks. It noted that clear policies on conflicts of interest are essential to ensure impartial decision-making and public trust.
Among the recommended factors to consider when assessing potential conflicts:
Outside duties and responsibilities  
Financial interests, including business and investments  
Affiliations with associations, political parties, or other agencies  
Family ties and close personal relationships  
Gifts, donations, and benefits from various sources
The Commission also released the Manual for Research and Reporting on Corruption Prevention, the Anti-Corruption Policy Manual, and the Manual on Monitoring and Compliance. #IACD #ACCMV pic.twitter.com/UKJi9qZD8i
— ACC-MALDIVES (@ACC_Maldives) December 9, 2025
The guideline also addresses the role of senior leadership, urging top officials to set the “tone at the top” by proactively resolving conflicts and modeling ethical behavior.
The release comes amid public criticism that the ACC has failed to investigate serious corruption cases during previous administrations. The commission has been accused of delaying action until political transitions occur, raising concerns about its independence and effectiveness.