President's Office has submitted several amendments to the law concerning independent institutions as well as regarding positions and employment laws on independent establishments. The amendments for Prosecutor General's Act, Audit Act, Civil Service Act, Anti-Corruption Commission Act, Elections Commission Act and Human Rights Commission Act were submitted to the parliament.
President's Office said the amendments have been submitted to ensure independent institutions and appointed individuals and employees who work therein can perform their constitutionally mandated responsibilities, effectively, honestly and free of undue influence.
Under the provisions of the new amendments, there will be added safeguards to protect the institutions from corruption, which include mandating all appointed individuals working in Independent Institutions to publish asset declaration for themselves and their family. Further, the new amendments will ensure such individuals cannot unduly benefit from their position or abuse their influence at another's expense.
Additionally, the new amendments delineate those appointed to or working in Independent Institutions cannot conduct any business with a potential conflict of interest and set out clear ethical guidelines for those working in such institutions to abide by.
Further, if enacted, commissioners appointed to independent institutions will be required to proactively engage with the parliament to provide progress reports on their respective institutions. They will also be expected to present themselves to parliament or the relevant parliamentary committees and can be held accountable if the need arises.