MJA Seeks Public Input on Draft Regulations for Maldives Free Press Council
MJA members meet with HRCM officials. | Photo: MJA X account
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has invited public feedback on three draft regulations related to the formation of the Maldives Free Press Council (MFPC) — a self-regulatory body established following the ratification of the Media and Broadcasting Regulation law.
In an announcement shared via its official X account, MJA called for comments on the draft Charter, Membership Guidelines, and Complaints Review Guidelines. The association has also opened a separate channel for member media outlets to submit their feedback.
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📢 MJA invites public feedback on 3 crucial draft regulations for the Maldives Free Press Council (MFPC), a self-regulatory media complaints body:
🔹MFPC Charter: https://t.co/STTSxquqdw
🔹Membership Guideline: https://t.co/3XtgrOTD1R
🔹Media Complaints Review Guideline:… pic.twitter.com/DmDykwWMYI— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) October 22, 2025
The draft Charter outlines the structure and responsibilities of the council, including procedures for electing members and the chairperson, convening general meetings, and maintaining operational independence. It also specifies ethical standards, complaint mechanisms, funding sources, and safeguards to ensure autonomy from financial influence.
The draft further identifies circumstances under which council members may resign or be removed. Grounds for removal through a vote include ethical violations, conflicts of interest, inactivity, or misconduct. Automatic removal applies in cases of criminal conviction, candidacy or appointment to public office, or death.
The Membership Guidelines set out the eligibility criteria and procedures for admitting media organisations to the MFPC. According to the draft, founding members include those present at the inaugural meeting but hold no special privileges. Any registered or unregistered Maldivian media outlet producing journalistic content may apply for membership. The document also outlines member rights and disciplinary measures for breaching the Maldives Media Council’s Code of Ethics.
The Complaints Review Guidelines detail the complaint submission and resolution process, which includes conciliation, mediation, and, if necessary, adjudication. Should mediation fail, a three-member panel—comprising media and civil society representatives and chaired by the council chairperson or their delegate—will conduct a formal hearing. Proceedings must be recorded and, where appropriate, made public. Final decisions will be guided by the Maldives Constitution, the national media code of ethics, international standards, and previous council rulings.
The establishment of the Maldives Free Press Council follows the president’s ratification of the Act, a move that has drawn criticism from journalists and rights advocates. The law dissolved the Maldives Media Council (MMC), merged the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) into the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
Critics have argued that the Act could restrict media independence and freedom of expression.
