ACC calls to refrain from all activities that could be classed as bribery during election period

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has urged to refrain from all activities that could be classed as bribery while campaigning to gain support for political parties and presidential candidates during the election period.

In a statement published today, ACC reminded the laws and regulations regarding the provision of material and financial assistance by candidates when trying to gain public support.

ACC said that several cases of suspected bribery as part of the presidential election campaign activities are under investigation by the commission, and that such complaints filed to the commission will be investigated.

ACC referred to Articles 28 (b) and 27 ( b) of the Elections (General) Act, and stated that campaign activities to gain support for candidates does not include providing financial or material assistance, and that it is an offence to engage in or attempt to engage in such activities.

ACC also included in its statement Article 5 (a) of the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act, which states that with regard to task or interaction undertaken, or to be undertaken by a member of the public or the government or a government venture, it is an offence for a person on his own or through an agent to accept bribery, to request for bribery, to agree to accept bribery, to bribe, agree to bribe or propose to offer bribery in order to lessen the burden, to ease, to benefit, or to give any advantage whatsoever.

This statement follows remarks by presidential candidate Gasim Ibrahim, with less than two weeks left for the presidential election, that he has decided to provide “everything as requested”, and that he is distributing LED TVs, HD/3D TVs, laptops and computer systems.

Similarly, First Lady Ilham Hussain donated MVR 100,000 to Meemu Mulaku School yesterday.