Media council appointments delayed pending complaint review
The complaint was submitted by Mohamed Ameen Ali, a candidate who contested the public seat but did not receive any votes.
Three newly elected members to the Maldives Media Council (MMC) have yet to assume their positions, three days after the election, due to a pending complaint under review by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.
The vacant seats include one representing the public and two representing media organisations. The following individuals were elected last Saturday:
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Leevan Ahmed Naseer, representing Adhadhu
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Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim, representing Dhauru
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Hawwa Wajda, representing the public
According to standard procedure, elected members typically begin their term the day after the election and are expected to take part in council meetings and related duties. However, the assumption of duties has been delayed following a complaint lodged shortly before the election.
The complaint was submitted by Mohamed Ameen Ali, a candidate who contested the public seat but did not receive any votes. Ameen’s complaint relates to the re-registration process, which he claims was not reopened in time to allow more eligible voters to participate.
The complaint was filed approximately 12 hours prior to the start of the election. The election went ahead as scheduled, with no decision made by the ministry on the matter at that time.
When contacted, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Youth confirmed that the delay in confirming the appointments was due to the pending legal advice on how to proceed with the complaint. The ministry stated it would follow the prescribed procedures once legal guidance is received and a decision is finalised.
