Six candidates have officially entered the race for membership in the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, the newly formed regulatory body established under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act.
The Commission will consist of seven members: three appointed by Parliament and four elected by the country’s media outlets. Each member will serve a five-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) opened nominations on 25 September, with the election scheduled for 11 October. The deadline for submissions closed at 14:00 on Saturday.
According to ECM, four applications were received for the seat representing broadcasters, of which three were deemed eligible. One of these three candidates later chose to withdraw from the race. For the seat representing other media outlets, two applications were submitted, but only one was approved.
Voting will be conducted on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00, with ballot stations set up exclusively in Malé City.
The election marks a key step in operationalizing the Media Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the new regulation designed to strengthen media governance and promote accountability within the broadcasting sector.
