ACC Rejects Interpretation of Low CPI Score as Measure of Actual Corruption

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has suggested that the Maldives’ low score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) may not accurately reflect the actual extent of corruption in the country, stressing that the index measures perceptions rather than documented cases or proven instances of wrongdoing.

In the CPI data recently released by Transparency International, the Maldives scored 39/100, 1 score better than 2024, ranking 91st out of 182 countries and territories assessed. The index uses a scale of zero, indicating a highly corrupt public sector, to 100, indicating a very clean one.

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In a statement issued following the release of the CPI 2025 by Transparency International, the ACC said the index does not directly assess the real prevalence of corruption within a country. Instead, it compiles expert assessments and business surveys to measure perceived levels of public sector corruption.

The Commission noted that for 2025, the Maldives’ score was calculated using only three data sources: the Global Insight Country Risk Ratings, the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, and the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project. It said these studies do not directly evaluate the actual extent of corruption in the Maldives and that, compared with many other countries, the Maldives’ score was derived from a limited number of indicators.

The ACC said it is important to bring this context to public attention and to facilitate national-level discussions so that the score and ranking are interpreted meaningfully and accurately.

Concentration of Power and Risk of State Capture

Transparency Maldives said the country’s stagnant score reflects ongoing governance challenges, including the centralisation of executive power and weakened democratic checks and balances.

The organisation pointed to constitutional amendments passed in November 2024, which it said concentrated authority within the executive and constrained citizen participation in decision-making. It also cited amendments to the Judicature Act and the suspension of Supreme Court justices as measures that have undermined judicial independence and increased the risk of executive influence over the courts.

Transparency Maldives further raised concerns over changes to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Elections Commission Act, which allow the President to appoint the President and Vice President of both commissions. It argued that these changes politicise key oversight bodies and weaken institutional impartiality.

Shrinking Civic Space and Threats to Media Freedom

The organisation also highlighted restrictions on civic space and media freedom. It referenced the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, passed in September 2025, saying the law has intensified pressure on media independence and freedom of expression.

Transparency Maldives further criticised changes to environmental governance, including the dissolution of the Environmental Protection Agency’s governing board and its restructuring as the Environmental Regulatory Authority under the merged Ministry of Tourism and Environment. It warned that amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation allow the Cabinet to fast-track projects deemed of “special importance”, potentially bypassing established safeguards designed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Calls for Reform

Transparency Maldives called on the government to ensure the independence and impartiality of oversight institutions, the judiciary and local governance structures, with appointments based on merit and free from political influence. It also urged authorities to protect civic space, media freedom and access to information, and to strengthen transparency and accountability across public institutions and state-owned enterprises.

The organisation further recommended reinforcing anti-corruption mechanisms, including effective asset declaration systems, whistleblower protections and stronger enforcement measures. It called for governance practices to align with international commitments such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption and Open Government Partnership standards.

Meanwhile, the ACC said it is progressing with the formulation of a National Anti-Corruption Policy with the assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The policy will align with the Maldives’ long-term national development plans and the “Maldives 2.0” initiative.

The Commission also confirmed that it is collaborating internationally on technical work under the “Measuring Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Agencies” initiative led by the International Anti-Corruption Academy.