Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has instructed broadcasters to avoid airing any defamatory material during the upcoming elections.
BroadCom has publicised guidelines for broadcasting political content during the upcoming Local Council Elections (LCE) and Women's Development Committee Elections (WDCE). The guidelines detail regulations to be implemented while airing news and information, and orders broadcasters to establish their own guidelines, which are in accordance with The Broadcasting Code of Practice and the Guidelines for Political Coverage During Elections.
The guidelines also state news broadcasts should clearly state when they have included political commentary and predictions or public opinion, and that broadcasters should avoid publicising biased news and social media posts. The guidelines also include regulations for public service and commercial broadcasters and calls for security forces to give their support to journalists when covering dangerous situations.
The commission stated the purpose of the guidelines is to ensure the public receives accurate news and information regarding the elections as well as the policies of candidates and political parties in a fair and balanced manner. The commission added the guidelines also ensure the safety of journalists and provide an environment where they have the freedom to share news and information.