Maldives’ Press Freedom Ranking Drops Six Places in Global Index

Maldives’ standing in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) has undergone a notable decline, slipping six places in the latest rankings released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The WPFI, an annual assessment of 180 nations, evaluates the degree of press freedom available to journalists and media practitioners globally. Last year, Maldives held the 100th position with a score of 56.93. However, this year, the nation has dropped to 106th place, with its score decreasing to 52.36.

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This reclassification now places Maldives in the category of countries where practising journalism is considered ‘Difficult’, down from the previous classification of ‘Problematic’.

RSF has identified the recent enactment of the Evidence Bill, particularly the provision empowering courts to compel journalists to reveal their sources under certain circumstances, as the primary factor contributing to Maldives’ decline in the rankings.

The WPFI utilises five key indicators to assess press freedom in each country. Maldives’ scores in these areas are as follows:

• Political indicator: 109th place with a score of 43.48, marking a decline of 12 ranks from the previous year’s 97th place with a score of 53.75.
• Economic indicator: 133rd place with a score of 36.04, showing an improvement of 28 ranks from last year’s 161st place with a score of 32.84. This is the only indicator where Maldives has seen an improvement.
• Legislative indicator: 111th place with a score of 54.42, indicating a drop of 13 ranks from the previous year’s 98th place with a score of 59.01.
• Social indicator: 131st place with a score of 48.10, reflecting a decline of 7 ranks from last year’s 124th place with a score of 55.68.
• Security indicator: 80th place with a score of 79.79, marking a drop of 23 ranks from the previous year’s 57th place with a score of 82.48.

It is noteworthy that Maldives occupied the 87th position in the WPFD in 2022, classified as a country where it is deemed “Satisfactory” to practice journalism.