New members have been elected for the new term of the Maldives Media Council (MMC).
The MMC consists of 15 members, including eight members representing media agencies and seven members elected among the public. However, only 13 members were elected to the next term, since two members were elected during the ongoing term. As such, seven members from different media outlets, and six members from the general public were elected to the council in the election. Ten members from the media submitted their candidacies for the seven seats and twelve members contested for the six seats for the public.
The term of office of the MMC is two years. The election of the MMC is held by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The term of the current members of the council will expire on December 14.
The main function of MMC is to preserve, promote and maintain the freedom of the press, within the legal framework of the country and to encourage the growth of a sense of responsibility, public service, ethics, and a high standard of professionalism among all those engaged in the profession of journalism.