The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has refused to say whether it is investigating the recruitment of more than 500 employees for public works ahead of the local council elections.

Local Government Minister Adam Shareef told Public Service Media (PSM)'s Raajje Miadhu program that 19 units will be established in 15 atolls and 550 or 520 employees will be recruited before February.

Adhadhu has repeatedly called the ACC to check whether the commission is investigating the matter. But the commission has not commented.

"Our hope is that by February at the latest, all 19 units will be established and the necessary facilities will be available. Now we estimate that these units will create about 550 to 520 new jobs," Shareef said.

Adam Shareef said the ministry is working to expand public works to the atolls under the guidance of President Mohamed Muizzu.

Last Monday, the ACC urged the public to report bribery attempts by candidates running in the local council elections.

The ACC reminded that bribery is a legal offence and assured that no such case will be left unattended.

The government is creating various jobs to coincide with the council elections. In addition, the government has recently dissolved the Hirimaradhoo island council to influence the election and the people of the island will now vote for the Hanimaadhoo island council in the upcoming polls.