Plan targets institutional reform, SOE oversight and corruption‑prevention while ACC faces criticism over major cases

The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched its 5th Strategic Plan, outlining the institution’s priorities and reform agenda for the next five years. The plan aims to strengthen the Commission’s capacity, improve investigative outcomes, and target high‑risk areas of corruption across the public sector.  

According to the ACC, the new strategy is designed to ensure more effective use of resources and deliver visible results to the public within a defined timeframe. The plan is built around five key pillars: governance and institutional development, operational excellence, strengthening the national integrity system, enhancing governance in public procurement and state‑owned enterprises, and preventing political corruption. 

The Commission stated that it will focus on developing a more capable workforce, improving internal systems, and creating a work environment that supports high‑quality investigations. The plan also includes reforms to ensure that ACC policies are evidence‑based and result‑oriented, with stronger processes for investigation and prosecution.   

A major component of the strategy is expanding anti‑corruption awareness programmes for all age groups and strengthening training through the Maldives Anti‑Corruption Academy. The ACC also plans to identify high‑risk state‑owned enterprises (SOEs), reform their internal systems, and improve oversight of procurement processes. 

The Commission highlighted that preventing corruption in the political sphere will be a central focus over the next five years. This includes advocating for fair elections, promoting transparency in recruitment, and rebuilding public trust in state institutions.  

A ceremony was held today to officially unveil ACC's 5th Strategic Plan for the next five years. His Excellency Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Maldives, graced the ceremony as Chief Guest.@UNDPMaldives@EU_Maldives pic.twitter.com/SHkP2ASb9S

— ACC-MALDIVES (@ACC_Maldives) April 22, 2026

The ACC described the new Strategic Plan as a “significant step” toward fulfilling its mandate and strengthening integrity across the Maldives.

The ACC, which is mandated to investigate corruption cases, has long faced criticism from the public for not investigating major corruption cases and for remaining inactive. Many people say that although every government promises before coming to power that the ACC will operate independently and pursue major corruption cases, this has not materialised.

Several corruption cases have been submitted to the ACC over the years, but the Commission has repeatedly faced public dissatisfaction regarding its performance. Critics argue that despite structural reforms and new strategies, the ACC has yet to deliver the level of accountability expected by the public.