The Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has nullified the policy regarding the provision of retirement benefits to its members. The policy was implemented on February 2024.
As per the revised policy brought into effect by the ECM in February, individuals appointed as members of the commission who have served or continue to serve the ECM shall be entitled to retirement benefits, contingent upon the duration of their membership. This applies to employees who have served ECM for at least 15 years, and further stipulates that a member retiring after ten years of service will also receive a retirement allowance.
Additionally, the policy further ensures that retiring members receive 75% of their salary for life after the term ends, based on their last rank. If a member has served ECM for 30 years, the entire salary will be provided as retirement pay.
ECM disclosed that this measure was taken following the orders from the Ministry of Finance. Member of ECM, Hassan Zakariyya revealed that the directive issued by the ministry was justified as the salaries and retirement benefits of the members are determined by the Parliament.