President ratifies amendment to Civil Service Act

The Bill of Amendment to the Civil Service Act, which disallows participation by civil servants in political activities during official hours, has been ratified by President Abdulla Yameen.

Following ratification, the new law has been published on the Government Gazette.

The bill states that civil servants can participate in political activities, but should not misuse their posts to influence political activities, should not participate in political activities during official hours, and should not engage in political bias when providing services as civil servants.

Civil servants are also not allowed to become members of political parties, hold posts within political parties, or create political parties.