Regulations for electing new media commission released

The Elections Commission (EC) on Wednesday announced the regulations for the election of members to the new commission under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Act, which came into force a week ago.

According to the regulations gazetted by the EC, one person from each media outlet registered in Maldives in accordance with the Act can vote in the election.

According to the regulations, those who wish to apply for the newly established Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) must be allowed 10 days for application. Candidates shall be notified within two days of their eligibility to contest the election.

The election must be held at least two days from the date of public announcement of the names of the eligible candidates.

At the same time, the broadcast media can vote to elect members representing the broadcast media from among the four members elected by the media, and the broadcast media cannot vote for the other elected members.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu set up the MMBC office following the ratification of the media bill.

The President passed the media bill on September 18 amid protests by journalists and local and foreign organizations.

Some concerns about the media law:

• Article 39 lays down certain regulations for journalism. This enables the regulatory commission to reverse the whole meaning if so desired and take advantage of individual provisions, if they so wish. For example, when it has stated that national security must be maintained, it can be interpreted in a very wide context.

• The article on the code of conduct states that respect for the freedom of individuals and not to spread false information and news. This article also has a very broad interpretation, so the concern of those in power in the commission taking advantage of it is rampant among journalists.