The formation of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has reached a decisive stage, with ten individuals submitting applications for the three membership positions to be appointed by Parliament.
The candidatures reflect the heightened stakes of regulating the country’s media sector after the dissolution of the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, both abolished under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act. Several applicants previously served on those bodies, bringing institutional experience into the contest.
The parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has been assigned to examine the applications and prepare recommendations ahead of the final vote. Parliament opened the call for candidates on 30 September, and by the close of the deadline, ten individuals had entered the race for the three parliamentary appointments.
Those seeking seats include Fathimath Fahmee, Mohamed Farshath, and Safa Shafeeq. Also in contention are Aminath Sarahath Izzath, Ibrahim Mohamed, and Moosa Rilwan. The list is completed by Faris Thoha, Shehenaz Adnan, Mohamed Shamin, and Shafeega Naeem. The three appointees will be confirmed through a parliamentary vote during an upcoming sitting.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, created under the new regulation, is mandated to operate as a seven-member body. Four members are selected through an election among media outlets, while three are appointed by parliament.
Four industry representatives have already been confirmed without the need for an election. Abdul Azeez Ibrahim and Zamath Ahmed Waheed were chosen to represent broadcasters, while Simaha Naseem and Hussain Saqeef were selected to represent other media outlets. The appointment of the remaining three members will complete the commission, which is expected to play a central role in shaping and overseeing the nation’s media environment.