“According to articles 138(9) of the Constitution and 9 of the Law, the Ombudsperson and Deputy Ombudsperson are appointed for a five-year term. The SCA notes however that the Law does not limit the number of renewals.

The SCA reiterates its previously expressed concern that the ability for the term of office of an individual to be renewed without limitations has the potential to impact on the real and perceived independence of members of the decision-making body of an NHRI.

The SCA encourages the PDDH to advocate for an amendment to its enabling law to provide that the term of office of the Ombudspersons is renewable once.”