President Establishes Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday established the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, as mandated under clause four of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, which he ratified earlier the same day.

With ratification, the bill has become law and is now enforceable. Parliament passed the legislation on Tuesday with 60 votes in favour and one against, during a special sitting held in recess. The vote took place amid strong protests both inside the chamber and outside the parliament building.

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The new law dissolves the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and reconstitutes the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The body will comprise seven members, three appointed by Parliament and four elected by media outlets. Of the elected members, two will represent broadcasting media and two will represent other forms of media. The law grants one vote for each registered media, in this election, according to the law. The parliament retains the right to dismiss all members of the commission. Additionally, Parliament will appoint the Commission’s President, while its members will elect the Vice President.

According to the Act, the Commission will be operated by an interim five-member body appointed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) until permanent members are appointed. The CSC must appoint the interim members within three days of the law coming into force. These members must be civil servants holding the position of Director General or higher. A vote among the five members will elect the interim President and Vice President.

Parliament is required to announce the application process for the three members appointed by the parliament three days after the law comes into effect. The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) will conduct the election for members elected by media outlets, in accordance with regulations formulated in line with the relevant Act. This election must be held within 30 days of the law’s ratification.

Members will serve on the Commission for a term of five years and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Act grants the Commission authority to impose fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 250,000 on broadcasters, and between MVR 5,000 and MVR 100,000 on news organisations.