Maldives is set to hold its inaugural election for the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) on 11 October, marking a significant step in the nation's media landscape reform.
This new commission, established under the recently enacted Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, will oversee the conduct and standards of media operations across the archipelago.
The MMBC will comprise seven members - three appointed by the Parliament and four elected by media professionals. Nominations for these elected positions are now open, with candidates having until 2:00 PM on Saturday, 4 October, to submit their applications.
The elected seats will be divided, with two representatives chosen from broadcasters and two from other media outlets, ensuring diverse representation within the commission.
The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has confirmed that polling will take place on Saturday, 11 October, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Only media organisations registered with the MMBC will be eligible to cast their votes. This means broadcasters will vote for broadcaster representatives, while other registered media outlets will vote for their respective representatives.
With the abolition of the previous Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, the MMBC will assume a crucial role. Its responsibilities will include establishing and managing a robust complaint system for violations of the code of conduct and regulations set forth in the new Act. The commission will be empowered to investigate such violations and implement appropriate actions, thereby strengthening accountability and transparency within the Maldivian media sector.