President Muizzu Ratifies Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act today, following its passage in Parliament earlier this week with 60 votes in favour and one against. 

The vote took place in a special sitting during the parliament’s recess on Tuesday amid strong protests both inside the chamber and outside the parliament building.

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With the enactment of the new law, the Maldives Media Council (MMC) is dissolved, and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) is reconstituted as the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The new body will consist of seven members, with 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 President of the Commission will be appointed by Parliament, while the Vice President will be elected by its members.

Until the new Commission is formally established under the Act, its powers and functions will be carried out by a five-member interim committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission.

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.

The legislation has drawn criticism from local and international organisations for including broad and undefined provisions linked to “public order” and “national security.” Opponents argue these could be used to restrict independent reporting. 

Journalists staged protests outside Parliament during the vote, demanding the withdrawal of the bill rather than its amendment. Tensions escalated earlier on 10 September, when reporters were forcibly removed from a closed-door committee session. Lawmakers defended the decision as necessary to protect personal details in submissions, while critics described it as undermining transparency.

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, the Maldives Media Council, the Broadcasting Commission, and international watchdogs have all voiced concerns. Several non-governmental organisations warned that the law could undermine press freedom.

Government-aligned MPs, however, argue that the Act will strengthen the media sector by establishing clearer regulatory mechanisms. They maintain that the concerns of journalists and stakeholders were considered during the review process.

Yesterday, in the ninth episode of Rayyithunaa Eku, a podcast published by the President’s Office, President Muizzu voiced support for the bill. He said that in a 100 percent Muslim nation such as the Maldives, freedom of speech and the press cannot be without limits, and must be exercised within religious and cultural principles, including the protection of individual reputation.