The members representing broadcasters and other media in the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission have been elected uncontested, without the need for a vote.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission is established under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act. The Commission comprises seven members: three appointed by the Parliament and four members elected by the media, with two from among broadcasters and two from other media outlets.
The Elections Commission of Maldives had scheduled the election for 11 October to elect the four members chosen by the media. However, the seats representing broadcasters and other media were filled automatically as the number of eligible candidates matched the available positions.
During the application period, three candidates submitted their applications for the broadcaster category, of which one withdrew, leaving two eligible candidates for the two posts. For the seats allocated for other media, only two candidates applied, exactly the number required, which resulted in their automatic election.
The elected members representing broadcasters are Abdul Azeez Ibrahim and Zam’ath Ahmed Waheed, while Simaha Naseem and Hussain Sageef were elected to represent other media outlets.
As of 12:00 am on Tuesday, when the registration period closed for eligible voters in the Media Commission election, 190 media representatives had registered to vote.
This marks an increase in voter registration compared to the previous Maldives Media Council by-election held on 21 June this year by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts. In that election, of the 313 registered media workers, only 78 registered to vote.