ECM Confirms Appointment of Media and Broadcasting Commission Members Without Contest
Photo: The President’s Office
The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) announced yesterday that members of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission have been appointed without a formal election.
The election to select members for the commission, established under the newly ratified Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, had been scheduled for 11 October. The commission comprises seven members, four elected by the media (two representing broadcasters and two representing other media) and three appointed by Parliament.
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According to the ECM, three of the four candidates who applied for the broadcaster representative seats met the eligibility requirements, while one was disqualified for not meeting the criteria. However, one eligible candidate later withdrew, resulting in the automatic selection of the remaining two candidates to represent broadcasters.
Similarly, only two candidates applied for the seats representing other media, leading to their appointment without contest.
Appointed Members of the Commission
Broadcasters:
- Abdulazeez Ibrahim, Moonimaage, Feydhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
- Zamath Ahmed Waheed, Mala, Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Other Media:
- Simaha Naseem, Veleege, Rathafandhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Hussain Shageef, Hisaan, Vaikaradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Zamath, selected to represent broadcasters, previously served on the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom), while Shageef, chosen to represent other media, was formerly the President of the Maldives Media Commission (MMC). Broadcom was absorbed into the new commission while MMC was dissolved following the enactment of the new law.
The appointments come amid ongoing criticism of the new media regulatory framework. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has voiced concern over the act and the establishment of the commission, describing the process as lacking transparency and independence.
In response, the MJA has initiated steps to form its own independent media self-regulatory body, the Press Council Committee, with its final structure expected to be completed by 22 October.
