Press Statement: International Anti-Corruption Day 2025

On International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Transparency Maldives expressed grave concern over recent legal, constitutional, and institutional changes in the Maldives that pose serious risks to democratic governance. Amendments to the Constitution, Judicature Act, Decentralization Act, and the enactment of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act were carried out without due process or inclusive consultation. These reforms centralize executive power, restrict public rights, and weaken checks and balances. Judicial independence has been undermined by amendments enabling removal of Supreme Court justices without due process. Environmental governance was weakened by merging the Environment Ministry with Tourism and restructuring the EPA into the Environmental Regulatory Authority under ministerial control. The 6th Amendment to the EIA regulation in August 2025 allows fast-tracking of 'priority projects', further weakening safeguards.

On International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Transparency Maldives expressed grave concern over recent legal, constitutional, and institutional changes in the Maldives that pose serious risks to democratic governance. Amendments to the Constitution, Judicature Act, Decentralization Act, and the enactment of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act were carried out without due process or inclusive consultation. These reforms centralize executive power, restrict public rights, and weaken checks and balances. Judicial independence has been undermined by amendments enabling removal of Supreme Court justices without due process. Environmental governance was weakened by merging the Environment Ministry with Tourism and restructuring the EPA into the Environmental Regulatory Authority under ministerial control. The 6th Amendment to the EIA regulation in August 2025 allows fast-tracking of 'priority projects', further weakening safeguards.

On International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Transparency Maldives expressed grave concern over recent legal, constitutional, and institutional changes in the Maldives that pose serious risks to democratic governance. Amendments to the Constitution, Judicature Act, Decentralization Act, and the enactment of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act were carried out without due process or inclusive consultation. These reforms centralize executive power, restrict public rights, and weaken checks and balances. Judicial independence has been undermined by amendments enabling removal of Supreme Court justices without due process. Environmental governance was weakened by merging the Environment Ministry with Tourism and restructuring the EPA into the Environmental Regulatory Authority under ministerial control. The 6th Amendment to the EIA regulation in August 2025 allows fast-tracking of 'priority projects', further weakening safeguards.

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