190 Media Outlets and Broadcasters Registered to Vote in Media Commission Election

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that a total of 190 broadcasters and media outlets have registered to vote in the upcoming Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Election, scheduled for Saturday, 11 October 2025.

According to the ECM, the number of registered voters marks an increase compared to the previous Media Council election. During the by-election organised by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts on 21 June 2025, 78 out of 313 media professionals registered to vote.

The Media and Broadcasting Commission, formed under the recently ratified Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, will comprise seven members, four elected by the media and three appointed by Parliament. Under the newly enacted Media Commission Act, all appointments must be completed by 17 October 2025. The election date was therefore set in accordance with this legal deadline.

The initial registry for eligible voters was heavily criticised due to the inclusion of inactive media and government bulletins. The registry has since been revised, with 18 entries removed and 64 new outlets and broadcasters added.