ECM Introduces Retirement Amendment for Long-Serving Members

An amendment to the regulations of the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has been introduced, allowing for the retirement of members who have completed two consecutive five-year terms at ECM.

The regulation, released on February 28th, was implemented on the same day and encompasses policies concerning the salaries, allowances, and overtime pay of the commission’s employees and members.

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Under the new policy, a member of the Commission is entitled to MVR 40,000, while the Chairman and Vice Chairman receive higher amounts when factoring in allowances.

The policy further stipulates that employees over 55 years old with over 15 years of service to the Commission may be excused from work and granted retirement status. Additionally, if an employee was elected as the Commissioner of EC while employed by the institute, those years will count towards their length of service.

However, retirement is not contingent on reaching 55 years of age for Commission members. Those with 10 years of service may retire, with arrangements made for lifetime benefits.

Remuneration under the new policy includes a stipend determined by rank and multiplied by years of service. Furthermore, 75 percent of the employee’s latest rank salary will be issued as a monthly lifelong retirement payment.

However, if the years of service exceed 15 years, only 15 years will be considered for remuneration.

Vice President Habeeb’s term will expire tomorrow after serving as a Commission member for ten years, in addition to previous employment with the Commission. The regulation dictates that no individual may serve more than two consecutive terms as a Commission member.

While the ECM has established retirement policies, progress on arranging a retirement package for its members through independent institutions has not advanced in parliament thus far.