ACC Warns Against Bribery Ahead of 2026 Local Council Elections

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has urged candidates and voters to refrain from bribery and other corrupt practices as campaigning intensifies ahead of the 2026 Local Council and Women’s Development Committees elections.

In a statement issued as election activities gather pace, the Commission said it has observed instances of bribery and undue influence in past public elections in the Maldives. It warned that such practices undermine public trust in state institutions and erode the integrity of the democratic process.

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The ACC stressed that the effectiveness of decentralised governance depends on voters making informed and principled choices when electing local councils. It said the purpose of local elections is to empower communities by selecting capable and responsible representatives to lead island and community development.

2026ވަނަ އަހަރުގެ ލޯކަލް ކައުންސިލް އަދި އަންހެނުންގެ ތަރައްޤީއަށް މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ކޮމިޓީގެ އިންތިޚާބާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން ހިންގާ ރިޝްވަތުގެ ޢަމަލުތަކާ ގުޅޭhttps://t.co/d39ZMcJz7O pic.twitter.com/PevQP5svfL— ACC-MALDIVES (@ACC_Maldives) January 12, 2026

The Commission said candidates who seek office through bribery act in their own interests rather than those of the public, while voters who accept bribes compromise their electoral rights for short-term personal gain. It described both actions as harmful to society and future generations. 

The ACC highlighted provisions in the General Elections Act aimed at preventing electoral bribery. Under Article 74 of Law No. 5/2023, which amended the General Elections Act, giving, offering or promising any form of benefit to influence a person’s electoral rights from the announcement of an election until 30 days after the declaration of results constitutes an offence. The law also prohibits candidates from providing money, benefits or services beyond promoting political views or policies in order to secure support or influence voters during the same period.

The Commission called on all candidates, political parties and their supporters to comply with the law and avoid engaging in bribery. It urged members of the public to report any offers of money, gifts or other inducements intended to influence voting decisions.

The ACC also requested information on other corrupt practices linked to election campaigns, including the misuse of state resources, unlawful benefits or actions that could improperly influence voters. It said reports should include details of the incident, those involved and the time it occurred.

The Commission assured the public that it will thoroughly investigate all reports of electoral corruption brought to its attention.