Ten New Members Elected to Maldives Media Council
Ten new members were elected to the Maldives Media Council (MMC) yesterday, as the term of ten out of the 15 incumbent members is set to expire within a week.
Highlights from this morning's Maldives Media Council election. pic.twitter.com/NZmWsjxNUl
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The elections, held at the Social Centre in Male’, saw participation from 139 media outlets, with 22 candidates contesting for the available seats.
The newly elected members include:
- Fathimath Shana Mohamed (Mihaaru): 118 votes
- Najah Masood (Vaguthu): 117 votes
- Hassan Shakir (Aafathis): 93 votes
- Hafsy Abdulla (Hafsy.com): 75 votes
- Hussain Shaqeef (Thiladhun): 74 votes
- Hussain Hassan (27 Online): 74 votes
- Fathimath Nahudha Faiz (Dhiyares): 71 votes
- Ibrahim Fauzy (Lawyer): 80 votes
- Fathimath Fahmy (Former MMC Legal Head): 76 votes
- Ibrahim Mohamed (Former Journalist): 49 votes
The final three winners were elected to seats designated for members of the general public, while the remaining seats were reserved for media representatives.
For the first time, no representative from the state broadcaster, Television Maldives (TVM), was elected to the MMC. This marks a significant shift in the council’s composition.
The voting process was largely peaceful, although several candidates raised concerns over last-minute changes to the voters’ list. Despite the complaints, the elections concluded without major disruptions.
The Maldives Media Council comprises 15 members, including eight media representatives and seven public members. Members serve two-year terms and are prohibited from serving consecutive terms.
This latest election underscores the evolving dynamics within the Maldivian media landscape as the council prepares for a new chapter in its mission to oversee and regulate the nation’s media industry.
